Which sounds would you expect to hear upon auscultation of a patient suffering from asthma during an acute episode?

During an acute episode of asthma, the airway becomes inflamed and narrowed, leading to airflow obstruction. This obstructive process results in the production of abnormal lung sounds, which are critical for diagnosis and management. The primary sound that you would expect to hear upon auscultation in such a scenario is wheezing.

Wheezing occurs due to the turbulent airflow through constricted bronchi, producing a high-pitched, musical sound, especially during expiration. This is characteristic of asthma exacerbations, as the bronchial smooth muscle constricts and excess mucus is produced, further narrowing the air passages. Listening for wheezing helps healthcare providers assess the severity of the asthma attack and determine appropriate interventions.

In contrast, other respiratory sounds such as stridor are typically associated with upper airway obstruction, while rhonchi indicate larger airway secretions and crackles suggest fluid in the alveoli. None of these sounds are as specifically indicative of asthma as wheezing, making it the most relevant auscultation finding during an acute asthma episode.