View source for Rhonchi

{{SignSymptom infobox |
  Name        = Rhonchi |
  ICD10       = R09.8 |
  ICD9        = {{ICD9|786.7}} |}}

'''Rhonchi''' is the coarse rattling sound somewhat like snoring, usually caused by secretion in bronchial airways. Rhonchi is the plural form of the singular word '''rhonchus'''.

==Description==
It is an abnormal or adventitious sound heard when listening to the chest as the person breathes. These are low pitched, continuous sounds that are similar to [[wheezes]]. Some have described the sounds as being similar to the sound of a donkey's hooves as they run. They are present when an airway is partially obstructed<ref>{{DorlandsDict|seven/000093010|rhonchus}}</ref> owing to secretions, mucosal swelling, or tumor tissue pressing on the passage. The sounds are gurgling noises heard on [[auscultation]] of the [[lungs]] with a [[stethoscope]] during [[inhalation]] or [[exhalation]].  The sounds are caused by the flow of air through thick mucous secretions in the larger air passages such as the [[bronchioles]] but can also be associated with smaller structures such as the [[alveoli]].

Rhonchi can be heard in patients with [[chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]] (COPD) and acute or severe [[bronchitis]].  COPD is an all inclusive syndrome that stems from the reduction of surface area associated with [[emphysema]] and the production of mucous secretions, [[bronchospasm]] and [[inflammation]] associated with bronchitis.

==Related techniques==
Other tools used in auscultation include listening for [[egophony]], [[whispered pectoriloquy]], [[rales]], rhonchi or [[wheezing]].  Also, [[Percussion (medicine)|percussion]] is often used to determine diseases of the chest.

==See also==
* [[Asthma]]
* [[Rales]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.mediscuss.org/respiratory-auscultation-tips-audio-mp3-examples-71-page3.html Adventitious Sounds of Respiratory System]

{{Circulatory and respiratory system symptoms and signs}}

[[Category:Medical signs]]


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