Which statement correctly describes stridor and wheezing?

Which statement correctly describes stridor and wheezing?

• A. Stridor is inspiratory; wheezing is expiratory
• B. Stridor is expiratory; wheezing is inspiratory
• C. Both are inspiratory
• D. Both are expiratory

Answer: (A)

Distinguishing these sounds comes from where the airway is narrowed. Stridor comes from upper airway obstruction (larynx or trachea). Because the blockage is in the larger, central airways, the turbulent flow is most evident during inspiration, when air is being pulled rapidly into the chest. The result is a high-pitched, harsh sound heard mainly on inspiration. Wheezing, on the other hand, reflects narrowing of the lower airways (bronchioles). The turbulent flow is most noticeable during expiration as air is forced out through narrowed passages, producing a whistling or squeaky sound typically heard during exhalation. So the correct pairing is that stridor is inspiratory and wheezing is expiratory.

Distinguishing these sounds comes from where the airway is narrowed. Stridor comes from upper airway obstruction (larynx or trachea). Because the blockage is in the larger, central airways, the turbulent flow is most evident during inspiration, when air is being pulled rapidly into the chest. The result is a high-pitched, harsh sound heard mainly on inspiration. Wheezing, on the other hand, reflects narrowing of the lower airways (bronchioles). The turbulent flow is most noticeable during expiration as air is forced out through narrowed passages, producing a whistling or squeaky sound typically heard during exhalation. So the correct pairing is that stridor is inspiratory and wheezing is expiratory.