Which lung sound is most consistent with an allergic reaction?

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Multiple Choice

Which lung sound is most consistent with an allergic reaction?

Allergic reactions commonly cause inflammation and narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm), which creates turbulent airflow that produces a high-pitched, musical sound called a wheeze. This sound is typically heard during expiration and reflects constricted small airways from the allergic response. In contrast, absence of lung sounds can indicate very poor ventilation or severe obstruction but isn’t the hallmark of an allergic reaction with bronchospasm; crackles arise from fluid in the alveoli or interstitial spaces, and a pleural friction rub comes from inflamed pleural surfaces—neither of these reflect bronchospasm from an allergy.

Allergic reactions commonly cause inflammation and narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm), which creates turbulent airflow that produces a high-pitched, musical sound called a wheeze. This sound is typically heard during expiration and reflects constricted small airways from the allergic response. In contrast, absence of lung sounds can indicate very poor ventilation or severe obstruction but isn’t the hallmark of an allergic reaction with bronchospasm; crackles arise from fluid in the alveoli or interstitial spaces, and a pleural friction rub comes from inflamed pleural surfaces—neither of these reflect bronchospasm from an allergy.

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