Breath sound terminology in the veterinary literature
Roudebush, P.; Ryan, J.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 194(10): 1415-1417
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 2722633 Document Number: 2810
Results of this survey reveal the relative use frequency for various breath sound terms in current veterinary literature. An effort was not made to suggest what the author actually heard or to relate these sounds to specific diseases. Many authors indicate the need to qualify normal breath sounds by describing changes in intensity or using the terms harsh or coarse. Harsh or coarse breath sounds may refer to sounds that are louder, with accentuated lower frequencies and some lost higher frequencies. However, clear definitions of these 2 terms have not been established and their continued use should be discouraged. The terms stridor and pleural friction rub are used by most authors to describe specific breath sounds associated with abnormal conditions. There appears to be no need to qualify these terms further except in their relationship to the respiratory cycle. Many authors indicate the need to qualify the terms crackle and rale by using descriptive adjectives, most of which are unclear. Wheeze and rhonchus were not often qualified by use of descriptive adjectives, but their relationship within the respiratory cycle was more often described. All sounds have been described during both inspiration and expiration. Breath sound terminology clearly requires standardization so that communication can be improved. Instruction in a program of breath sounds based on a standardized nomenclature is also needed for veterinarians and veterinary students.
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