What are adventitious breath sounds?

Adventitious breath sounds refer to abnormal sounds that are heard in the lungs during breathing, which can indicate various respiratory issues. These sounds can include wheezing, crackles, rhonchi, and stridor, among others. They are significant because they often signal that there is some form of obstruction, fluid, or abnormality in the airways or lung tissue.

Wheezing, for instance, is a high-pitched sound that typically occurs when air moves through narrowed airways, often seen in conditions such as asthma or bronchitis. Recognizing these sounds is essential for healthcare providers, including EMTs, as they can provide vital information regarding a patient's respiratory status and help guide appropriate interventions.

In contrast, normal airflow sounds and sounds indicating clear lung function would not be classified as adventitious, since they do not suggest any abnormalities. Measured respiratory rates alone do not encompass the qualitative aspect of breath sounds and are not categorized as adventitious. Thus, the correct characterization of adventitious breath sounds is that they are indeed abnormal sounds like wheezing.