What lung sound is indicative of an obstruction and is high pitched on inspiration?

The sound that is indicative of an obstruction and is high-pitched during inspiration is stridor. Stridor typically occurs when there is narrowing or obstruction of the upper airway, which can be due to conditions such as croup, epiglottitis, or anaphylaxis. It is often described as a harsh, raspy sound that is most noticeable when the patient inhales. The high pitch of stridor results from airflow passing through a narrowed space in the upper airway.

Other lung sounds such as wheezes and rhonchi may be associated with different types of airway obstruction, but they generally occur in lower airways. Wheezes are more common during expiration and are caused by narrowing of the bronchi, while rhonchi tend to be low-pitched sounds that can indicate mucus obstruction in the larger airways. Creaking sounds are not a recognized classification of lung sounds related to airway obstruction. Understanding these distinctions is critical for correctly identifying and managing respiratory conditions in patients.