Bronchial breath sounds are typically heard over which location?

• A. The Trachea.
• B. The Periphery of the lungs.
• C. The Diaphragm.
• D. The Spine.

Answer: (A)

Bronchial breath sounds come from air moving through the central airways, mainly the trachea and large bronchi. They are relatively loud and high-pitched with a longer expiratory phase and a distinct pause between inspiration and expiration. Because these sounds originate in the trachea, they are normally heard best over the trachea. In contrast, the peripheral lung fields should produce softer, lower-pitched vesicular sounds. If bronchial sounds are heard over the outer lungs, it can indicate that there is consolidation or fluid in the alveoli, making the central airways audible there. So the typical location is over the trachea.