RHONCHUS Meaning and
Definition
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A rhonchus is an abnormal respiratory sound that occurs when there is an obstruction or narrowing of the airways, resulting in turbulent or noisy airflow during breathing. It is typically a harsh, rumbling, or wheezing sound that can be heard with a stethoscope during auscultation of the lungs. Rhonchi are often described as low-pitched, continuous, and musical in nature, resembling snoring or the sound produced when blowing through a straw submerged in liquid.
Rhonchi commonly occur due to the presence of mucus, fluid, or inflammation in the bronchial tubes, which can be caused by conditions such as bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The obstruction or narrowing of the airways causes air to pass through with difficulty, leading to the turbulent airflow and subsequent production of the distinctive sound.
It is important to note that rhonchi should be distinguished from other abnormal lung sounds, such as crackles or wheezes. Rhonchi are different in nature and often indicate a more broad-based obstruction in the airway, while crackles represent the sudden opening of small airways during inspiration and wheezes are continuous high-pitched sounds caused by partial airway obstruction.
In medical examinations, the detection and identification of rhonchi are valuable in assessing lung function and diagnosing the underlying respiratory condition, enabling appropriate treatment and management strategies to be initiated.
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Rale, especially a whistling or sonorous (snoring) rale produced in the larger bronchi or the trachea.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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In med., an unnatural rattling or wheezing sound produced in the air-passages by obstructions.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for RHONCHUS
Etymology of RHONCHUS
The word "rhonchus" originated from Greek. It is derived from the Greek noun "rhoũgkhos" (ῥόγχος), which means "snoring" or "rattling sound". In medical terminology, "rhonchus" refers to an abnormal sound heard during breathing, typically caused by an obstruction or narrowing in the respiratory tract.
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