Master Pleural Friction Rub Sounds

A pleural friction rub can be auscultated over the anterior lateral lung sounding like a creaking, grating sound.

A pleural friction rub is characterized as a dry, rubbing or squeaking sound due to the pleural spaces rubbing against each other. It is not cleared by a cough.

Upon auscultation, a pleural friction rub should sound like rubbing a balloon with a finger due to the friction created from the pleural surfaces rubbing against each other.

Pleural friction rubs are produced due to inflammation of the pleura. The inflammation leads to the pleural spaces moving too closely together and rubbing against each other. Pneumonia, pleurisy, and pulmonary infarction can all irritate and inflame the pleura causing a pleural friction rub to develop.