Sounds in the lungs, breath sounds: what is this, causes, symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, prevention

Breath sounds; Lung sounds; Breathing sounds

lung sounds, also known as breath sounds, are sounds, generated by the movement of air through the respiratory system. They can provide valuable information about lung health and function., therefore, they are commonly used by healthcare professionals to diagnose and monitor various respiratory conditions..

What are lung murmurs?

Breath sounds are sounds, produced by the movement of air through the respiratory system, including bronchi, trachea and lungs. They are usually heard with a stethoscope., and they can be divided into two main categories: vesicular and occasional.

• Vesicular lung murmurs are normal, low and continuous sounds, arising from the passage of air through the lungs. They are usually described as wheezing, hissing or whistling sounds.
• Adverse lung murmurs, on the other hand, are abnormal sounds, resulting from changes in the normal respiratory process. They may indicate lung problems, such as fluid accumulation, inflammation or blockage of the airways.

Causes of sounds in the lungs

Sounds in the lungs can be caused by various factors., including:

• Respiratory diseases: some respiratory diseases, such as bronchitis, asthma and pneumonia, can cause changes in normal breathing, which leads to abnormal sounds in the lungs.
• fluid accumulation: Accumulation of fluid in the lungs, eg, pleural effusion, may cause abnormal sounds in the lungs.
• Airway obstruction: Airway obstruction, eg, foreign body or tumor, may cause changes in normal airflow through the lungs, which leads to abnormal sounds in the lungs.
• Inflammation: Inflammation of the airways, eg, with bronchitis or asthma, may cause changes in normal airflow through the lungs, which leads to abnormal sounds in the lungs.

Symptoms of pulmonary murmurs

Symptoms of lung murmurs may vary depending on the underlying cause. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• wheezing: high-pitched wheezing sound when breathing, usually indicating narrowing or blockage of the airways.
• Crepitation: popping or crackling sound, audible during inhalation or exhalation, indicating accumulation of fluid in the lungs or inflammation in the airways.
• Stridor: high musical sound when breathing, indicating partial obstruction of the upper airways.
• Crepitation: wheezing or gurgling sound, audible during inhalation or exhalation, indicating accumulation of fluid in the lungs.

When to contact a healthcare professional

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent deterioration and improve overall prognosis.

Diagnosis of lung noises

Diagnosis of lung murmurs usually begins with a physical examination and medical history.. Your doctor may also use a stethoscope to listen to your breathing., which can help identify any abnormal sounds.

Other diagnostic tests may also be needed, including chest x-ray, computed tomography, lung function tests and bronchoscopy. These tests can help determine the underlying cause of abnormal lung sounds and prescribe appropriate treatment..

Treatment of lung noises

Treatment for lung murmurs will depend on the underlying cause. Some common treatments include:

• Bronchodilators: these medications can help open the airways and improve breathing by relaxing the muscles around the airways.
• Corticosteroids: these medicines can reduce inflammation and swelling of the airways, making breathing easier.
• Antibiotics: if the cause of abnormal sounds in the lungs is an infection, antibiotics can help treat the infection and reduce symptoms.
• Kislorodnaya therapy: if there is a lack of oxygen in the blood, supplemental oxygen may be needed to improve breathing and prevent complications.
• Surgical intervention: in some cases, surgery may be required to relieve airway obstruction or repair lung damage.

Home Treatment for Pulmonary Noises

In addition to medication, there are several home remedies., which may help relieve symptoms of lung murmurs and improve breathing. Some of these include:

• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: this includes regular exercise, healthy eating and smoking cessation.
• Avoid Triggers. If you have a respiratory disease, such as asthma or bronchitis, avoid triggers, like dust, smoke and cold air, it can help reduce symptoms and improve breathing.
• Humidifier use. Maintaining humidity in your home can help reduce dryness and irritation of the respiratory tract., making breathing easier.
• Compliance with hygiene rules: washing your hands regularly and avoiding close contact with people who are sick can help prevent respiratory infections and reduce symptoms.

Prevention of lung sounds

The best way to prevent lung murmurs is to lead a healthy lifestyle and avoid bad habits and conditions., which can harm your respiratory system. Some preventive measures include:

• Prevention of exposure to pollution and irritants: this includes quitting smoking, prevention of exposure to secondhand smoke and prevention of exposure to polluted air.
• Regular exercise: Regular exercise can help keep your lungs healthy and improve overall respiratory function..
• Maintaining a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can put extra strain on your lungs and make it difficult to breathe., so maintaining a healthy weight is important for respiratory health.
• Vaccination: vaccination against respiratory infections, like influenza and pneumonia, may help prevent respiratory infections and reduce symptoms.

In conclusion, lung sounds can provide valuable information about lung health and function, and early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent worsening of the condition. Taking steps to maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid habits and conditions, which can harm the respiratory system, you can prevent lung murmurs and ensure optimal respiratory health.

Used sources and literature

Ball JW, Dains I, Flynn YES, Solomon BS, Stewart RW. Chest and lungs. In: Ball JW, Dains I, Flynn YES, Solomon BS, Stewart RW, eds. Siedel’s Guide to Physical Examination. 9th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2019:chap 14.

force m. Approach to the patient with respiratory disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier ; 2020:chap 77.