A harsh, high pitched respiratory sound is called?

• A. Stridor
• B. Wheeze
• C. Rhonchi
• D. Crackle

Answer: (A)

Harsh, high-pitched sounds heard during breathing point to an upper airway problem, described as stridor. This sound comes from airflow being narrowed or obstructed at the larynx or trachea, and it’s often most noticeable during inspiration. It’s commonly seen with conditions like swelling from infection (such as croup or epiglottitis) or with a foreign body obstruction.

That quality and timing help distinguish stridor from other respiratory sounds: a wheeze is a high-pitched whistling sound from narrowed small airways, usually musical and often heard during expiration; rhonchi are coarse, snoring-like sounds caused by secretions in larger airways; crackles are brief, bubbling sounds from fluid or small airways opening, typically heard on inspiration. Stridor’s harsh, jet-like character specifically signals upper airway narrowing and urgent evaluation may be needed to secure the airway.