Diminished Lung Sounds

When lying down on one side breath sounds are usually loudest on the side of the chest closest to the exam table. Abnormal breath sounds are usually indicators of problems in the lungs or airways.

Breath Sounds Medlineplus Medical Encyclopedia

Intensity is usually higher in the bases than at the top of the lungs apices.

Diminished lung sounds. The intensity or loudness of breath sounds can be described as normal decreased diminished or absent. Breath sounds are diminished or eliminated by conditions that limit airflow into lung segments. Diminished or absent breath sounds can also occur when breath sounds are reflected at the visceral and parietal pleurae.

Slow inspiratory airflow rates decrease breath sound amplitude because less air movement occurs resulting in less turbulent airflow. When copd is the cause of diminished breath sounds people will most likely breathe with pursed lips and have poor air movement in the lungs an increased chest diameter and a cough that can either be productive or nonproductive according to the merck manual. The most common causes of abnormal breath sounds are.

Breath Sounds Test Your Knowledge Nursing Blog Lippincott Nursingcenter