Which adventitious sound is snoring or gurgling and results from fluid or obstructions in large airways?

• A. Crackles
• B. Wheeze
• C. Rhonchi
• D. Pleural friction rub

Answer: (C)

The sound described as snoring or gurgling comes from secretions or obstructions in the larger airways. When mucus or fluid sits in the trachea or main bronchi, it creates a coarse, low-pitched, rumbling quality known as rhonchi. These sounds are often described as similar to snoring or gurgling and may lessen after coughing, which helps clear the big airways.

In contrast, crackles are fine or coarse popping sounds due to fluid or moisture in the smaller airways or alveoli and are typically heard at the end of inspiration. Wheezes are continuous, musical sounds resulting from narrowed small airways. A pleural friction rub is a harsh, grating sound from inflamed pleural surfaces, heard with both inspiration and expiration and not related to airway secretions.