A high-pitched expiratory sound most commonly indicates which airway problem?

• A. Wheezing
• B. Stridor
• C. Crackles
• D. Rhonchi

Answer: (A)

When small airways narrow or become inflamed, airflow becomes turbulent and takes on a musical, high-pitched quality, especially during expiration. This expiratory, high-pitched sound is wheeze, signaling lower airway obstruction such as bronchospasm or bronchiolar inflammation often seen in asthma or bronchiolitis.

Stridor is a different sound—high-pitched and usually heard on inspiration—indicating upper airway obstruction (like swelling at the larynx or trachea). Crackles are crackling sounds from fluid or air bubbles in the alveoli, more typical on inspiration. Rhonchi are coarse, low-pitched snore-like sounds from secretions in larger airways and may improve with coughing.