Essential Lung Sounds

Stridor

Stridor is loud and can frequently be observed without a stethoscope. It is a high-pitched breath sound heard during inspiration. It can also occur during the entire respiratory cycle. Patients with narrowed or obstructed upper airways can have stridor. Extubated patients may also have stridor breath sounds.

Listen

Visualize

Observe

Less than severe stridor can be auscultated over the larynx. Severe stridor can be heard without a stethoscope. Auscultation of lung sounds on the chest wall will be normal.

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