Master Lung Sounds - Rhonchi with Picmonic for Physician Assistant

Rhonchi can be auscultated over the trachea and bronchi and are more prominent during exhalation than inhalation. They are often heard in patients with chronic bronchitis and typically clear after coughing or suctioning.

Rhonchi lung sounds are a low pitched rumbling or snoring sound that occurs due to obstruction of the large airways.

Rhonchi may sound like a gurgling or rattling sound prominent near the trachea and bronchi that is loudest during expiration than inhalation.

Rhonchi are caused by airway obstructions most often resulting from increased secretions. Narrowed airways can develop as a result of COPD, cystic fibrosis, and pneumonia.

Secretions and bronchospasms can cause a narrowing of the airways resulting in the development of low pitched rumbling and gurgling sounds.