5 Reasons Behind Abnormal Breath Sounds

Abnormal breath sounds can be uncomfortable and sometimes alarming. They can describe as noises made by the lung structures when a person inhales and exhales air. These unusual breathing sounds are detected by doctors using stethoscopes.  They can be heard by the naked ear when they are loud enough.

If you have agonal breathing, which is always characterized by struggling to breathe, you can seek emergency medical care. If your breathing sounds like gasping or snorting, thus you may be experiencing agonal breathing. It can also sound like labored breathing. 

For instance, rhonchi equate to snoring as it is low pitched and continual, while stridor is harsher, louder, and can sound like wheezing. Abnormal breathing sounds may point towards underlying conditions that require urgent medical attention. 

Here is a list of some of the medical conditions that may lead to uncommon breathing:

1. Asthma 

Asthma is a long-term condition that distorts the air flows in and outside the body. In most cases, asthma patients struggle for breath and may end up wheezing.

The type of wheezes associated with an asthmatic attack is very loud and can assert from across the room from the patient. 

Asthma may cause the inside walls of the airways to swell, leading to a struggle to breathe by the patient. Asthma can be caused or triggered by the following:

• Obesity 

Obesity or being excessively overweight, on its own may cause a person to experience breathing difficulties. However, it has also been discovered to be an enabler for frequent asthmatic attacks.

• Inhaling Tobacco

It can either be through smoking or being in the same space as someone smoking. Inhaling tobacco may trigger an asthmatic attack.

• Climate Change And Environmental Factors

People may sometimes react to certain flowers, dust, and air pollution. It may cause or trigger an asthmatic attack, leading to a struggle to breathe and ultimately abnormal breathing sounds.

2. Acute Bronchitis

Bronchitis may lead to the swelling and inflammation of the bronchial tubes in the lungs. These are well-described as passages of air linking the nose and mouth with the lungs.

Wheezing and breathlessness are some of the signs and symptoms of bronchitis. It’s best  to visit your doctor if you are struggling to breathe and have the following symptoms:

• Non-stop coughing
• Headaches
• Sore throat
• Pain in the joints
• Tight chest

These symptoms may require medical assistance as they may persist until treated.

3. Pneumonia

This condition is a threat to both the young and elderly. However, it is more dangerous to people with existing underlying conditions and/or weakened immune systems like infants and older adults. 

Pneumonia can be a result of a lung infection that can be viral, fungal, or bacterial. If acute, it can be life-threatening when left untreated.

Abnormal breath sounds may sometimes be a symptom of pneumonia. It is wise to seek medical assistance when shortness of breath is accompanied by other symptoms such as the following:

• Palpitations
• Fever
• Profuse sweating
• Headaches
• Pain in the muscles
• Tiredness
• Nausea and vomiting

Treatment may vary from antibiotics, over-the-counter medications to hospitalization, depending on how urgent one’s condition is. Early treatment is advisable.

4. Pulmonary Edema

One of the many symptoms of pulmonary edema is shortness of breath. It can also cause respiratory failure. Pulmonary edema occurs when there is an overload of fluid in the lung sacs also when the heart fails to perform its functions.

Pulmonary edema causes an increase of pressure in the blood vessels. This results in the lungs flooding with fluids push into the air spaces.

These fluids slow down the normal flow of oxygen through the lungs leading to shortness of breath. It can require emergency medical assistance if it is acute as patients may need oxygen support.

5. Congestive Heart Failure

It happens when the heart fails adequately pump blood to different body parts. One can experience fatigue and abnormal breathing sounds resulting in breathlessness from this condition.

People who suffer from congestive heart failure may find it hard to carry out their everyday chores. However, they can often lead a healthy and ordinary life if they receive the correct treatment.

Conclusion

Abnormal breath sounds often serve as a warning of underlying medical conditions. It is important to seek medical attention when you find yourself struggling to breathe.

Early detection and diagnoses of the underlying health problem are advised as it is always easier to treat health conditions when they are detected early. 

FAQs

What are abnormal breath sounds?

Abnormal breath sounds refer to any unusual sounds heard during breathing, such as wheezing, crackling, or stridor. These sounds can indicate underlying respiratory issues or conditions.

What causes wheezing during breathing?

Wheezing is often caused by narrowed airways due to conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, or allergies. It results in a high-pitched whistling sound during breathing.

What can cause crackling sounds in the lungs?

Crackling sounds, also known as rales, can occur when air passes through fluid or mucus in the lungs. It can be caused by conditions like pneumonia, bronchiectasis, or pulmonary edema.

What is stridor, and what causes it?

Stridor is a harsh, high-pitched sound that occurs during inhalation and can indicate a blockage or narrowing of the upper airway. Common causes of stridor include croup, epiglottitis, or an obstruction in the throat.

Are there other causes of abnormal breath sounds?

Yes, there are various other causes of abnormal breath sounds, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), congestive heart failure, pulmonary fibrosis, or pleural effusion. It’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis if you experience abnormal breath sounds.