What are normal breath sounds made by air passing through the bronchi called?

Normal breath sounds produced by air passing through the bronchi are referred to as bronchial breath sounds. These sounds are typically characterized by a hollow, tubular quality and are louder and higher-pitched than other types of breath sounds. They are best heard over the trachea and the large bronchi and are part of the normal respiratory assessment.

In contrast, vesicular sounds are softer, low-pitched sounds that occur in the peripheral lung areas when air flows through smaller bronchi and alveoli. Tracheal sounds, while they may also be normal, are specifically associated with air passing through the trachea, producing a different quality. Adventitious sounds describe any abnormal breath sounds, such as wheezes or crackles, which indicate issues like obstruction or fluid in the airways. Understanding these distinctions is essential for accurate respiratory assessments in a clinical setting.