In emphysema, which breath sound is commonly heard during dyspnea?

Prepare for the NREMT Advanced-EMT Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Ready yourself for success on your exam!

Multiple Choice

In emphysema, which breath sound is commonly heard during dyspnea?

Explanation:
Emphysema causes overinflated lungs with air trapping and loss of elastic recoil, so there is less air movement per breath, especially in the peripheral airways. That reduced airflow leads to breath sounds that are often faint or diminished during dyspnea. Wheezes can occur if there’s some bronchospasm or mucus, but they’re not the most consistent sign of emphysema itself. Crackles point to fluid in the lungs, and stridor indicates upper airway obstruction, neither of which are typical for uncomplicated emphysema. So the most characteristic finding is decreased breath sounds.

Emphysema causes overinflated lungs with air trapping and loss of elastic recoil, so there is less air movement per breath, especially in the peripheral airways. That reduced airflow leads to breath sounds that are often faint or diminished during dyspnea. Wheezes can occur if there’s some bronchospasm or mucus, but they’re not the most consistent sign of emphysema itself. Crackles point to fluid in the lungs, and stridor indicates upper airway obstruction, neither of which are typical for uncomplicated emphysema. So the most characteristic finding is decreased breath sounds.

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