Rhonchi vs. Stertor

Attribute	Rhonchi	Stertor
Sound Quality	Continuous, low-pitched wheezing or snoring sound	Snoring or rattling sound
Location	Heard in the chest during inspiration and expiration	Heard in the upper airway during inspiration
Cause	Caused by mucus or fluid in the bronchial tubes	Caused by obstruction in the upper airway
Associated Conditions	Common in conditions like bronchitis, pneumonia, or COPD	Common in conditions like sleep apnea or upper airway obstruction

Introduction

When it comes to diagnosing respiratory conditions, healthcare professionals often rely on auscultation, the act of listening to the sounds produced by the lungs and airways. Two common types of abnormal respiratory sounds that can be heard during auscultation are rhonchi and stertor. While both sounds indicate some form of airway obstruction, they have distinct characteristics that can help healthcare providers differentiate between them.

Rhonchi

Rhonchi are low-pitched, continuous breath sounds that are often described as snoring or rattling. These sounds are typically heard during inspiration and expiration and are caused by the movement of air through narrowed or obstructed airways. Rhonchi are commonly associated with conditions such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). When auscultating a patient with rhonchi, healthcare providers may hear these sounds in the chest or upper airways.

One key characteristic of rhonchi is that they can change in intensity depending on the patient's position. For example, if a patient is lying down, the rhonchi may be more pronounced due to the pooling of secretions in the airways. Additionally, rhonchi may be cleared with coughing or suctioning, as they are often caused by the presence of mucus or other secretions in the airways.

When assessing a patient with rhonchi, healthcare providers may also consider other symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath. Treatment for rhonchi typically involves addressing the underlying cause, such as administering bronchodilators or antibiotics to reduce inflammation and clear the airways.

Stertor

Stertor, on the other hand, is a type of abnormal respiratory sound that is characterized by a snoring or rattling noise that is heard primarily during inspiration. Unlike rhonchi, stertor is typically caused by obstruction in the upper airways, such as the nose or throat. Common causes of stertor include conditions like sleep apnea, nasal congestion, or a deviated septum.

One distinguishing feature of stertor is that it is often more prominent when a patient is lying on their back, as this position can further obstruct the upper airways. Healthcare providers may also notice that stertor is more prevalent in patients who are overweight or have anatomical abnormalities in the nasal passages.

In addition to the characteristic sound of stertor, patients with this condition may exhibit symptoms such as snoring, gasping for air during sleep, or daytime fatigue. Treatment for stertor may involve lifestyle changes, such as weight loss or sleeping in a different position, as well as interventions like nasal decongestants or surgery to correct anatomical issues.

Comparison

While both rhonchi and stertor are abnormal respiratory sounds that indicate airway obstruction, there are several key differences between the two. Rhonchi are typically heard in the chest or lower airways and are associated with conditions like bronchitis or COPD, while stertor is more commonly heard in the upper airways and is linked to issues like sleep apnea or nasal congestion.

• Rhonchi are low-pitched and continuous, while stertor is characterized by a snoring or rattling noise primarily during inspiration.
• Rhonchi may change in intensity with patient position and can be cleared with coughing, while stertor is often more prominent when a patient is lying on their back.
• Treatment for rhonchi involves addressing the underlying cause, such as inflammation or mucus in the airways, while treatment for stertor may focus on lifestyle changes or interventions to improve upper airway patency.

Overall, understanding the differences between rhonchi and stertor can help healthcare providers make an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan for patients with respiratory conditions. By listening carefully to the sounds produced during auscultation and considering other symptoms and patient factors, healthcare professionals can effectively manage and treat these common respiratory issues.