What is the term for abnormal breath sounds resulting from an obstructed airway during inspiration?

The term for abnormal breath sounds resulting from an obstructed airway during inspiration is stridor. Stridor is a high-pitched, wheezing sound typically associated with partial obstruction of the upper airway, particularly affecting areas like the larynx or trachea. This sound arises when airflow is turbulent due to narrowing or blockage, which is often caused by conditions such as swelling from an allergic reaction, infection, or foreign body obstruction.

In clinical practice, stridor is an important indicator of significant airway compromise and requires immediate attention. Recognizing stridor can help healthcare providers assess the severity of an airway obstruction and prioritize interventions.

The other terms refer to different types of abnormal lung sounds. Wheezing is primarily associated with obstructive airway diseases like asthma, where airflow limitation leads to a musical, high-pitched sound during expiration. Ronchi are lower-pitched sounds caused by secretions in the larger airways, often noticeable during expiration but can also affect inspiration. Rales, also known as crackles, are fine, short sounds typically indicative of fluid in the alveoli and are more commonly heard in conditions like pneumonia or heart failure.