What does stridor sound like?

Stridor is characterized as a high-pitched crowing sound, which is often heard during inspiration. This sound occurs due to turbulent airflow in the upper airway, typically when there is a narrowing or obstruction. The high pitch is significant because it indicates a level of severity that may require immediate medical attention, especially in cases related to conditions such as croup or foreign body obstruction. Understanding this sound is crucial in clinical assessments, as it serves as an important indicator of respiratory distress.

Other options describe sounds associated with different respiratory conditions. For example, low-pitched sonorous sounds typically denote ronchi, which result from obstruction or secretions in larger airways. Musical and high-pitched sounds are often associated with wheezing, which occurs in lower airways and is connected to asthma or bronchospasm. Soft wheezing, while related to airway constriction, also does not accurately represent the distinct high-pitched quality of stridor. Recognizing these differing sound characteristics aids clinical understanding and appropriate intervention.