Essential Lung Sounds

Diminished Vesicular

When vesicular sounds have a low sound level (volume) and are less robust, then these sounds are called diminished vesicular lung sounds. Elderly, frail patients move less air volume and can have diminished vesicular sounds. Diminished sounds can also be observed in obese patients or patients with high muscle mass.

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Diminished vesicular sounds can be heard over the anterior and posterior chest walls in obese or elderly patients. This term would be used comparatively, auscultating from side to side.

Authored by Diane Wrigley, PA. Medically reviewed by Dr. Barbara Erickson, PhD, RN, CCRN.