Wheezes are defined as which of the following?

• A. Continuous, high-pitched musical adventitious sounds caused by air movement through narrow bronchi and bronchioles
• B. Absence of breath sounds
• C. Fine crackles heard on inspiration
• D. Stridor

Answer: (A)

Wheezes are continuous, high-pitched, musical adventitious sounds produced by air moving through narrowed bronchi and bronchioles. This narrowing—often from bronchospasm, inflammation, or secretions—causes a vibrating, singsong quality as air squeezes through the tight passages, commonly heard more clearly during expiration when airflow faces more resistance. This distinguishes wheezes from other lung sounds: absence of breath sounds suggests a significant airway obstruction or collapse rather than wheezing; fine crackles are brief, popping noises heard mainly on inspiration from fluid in the small airways or sudden opening of alveoli; stridor is a harsh, vibrating sound heard on inspiration due to upper airway obstruction.