High pitched wheezing on inspiration is most consistent with which airway sound?

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

Answer: (A)

High-pitched inspiratory sounds indicate narrowing or obstruction of the upper airway. Stridor is produced when air moves through a tight or blocked larynx or trachea, giving a sharp, high-pitched sound during inspiration. Wheezes, in contrast, are musical and usually reflect lower airway narrowing and are most often heard during expiration. Rhonchi are coarse sounds from secretions in larger airways, also typically heard during expiration, and crackles come from fluid in the airways or lungs, usually heard on inspiration. So an inspiratory, high-pitched sound points to stridor.