They occur when air moves through fluid-filled airways. Rales are further described as moist, dry, whistling, fine, coarse, or other descriptions. Rhonchi are sounds with a loud, low, coarser sound. They may be further described as musical, groaning, snoring , and so on. They are produced when the larger airways are filled with fluid.
Wheezes are high-pitched, musical sounds produced by narrowed airways, occurring during expiration.
See also wheezing . This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for abnormal breath sounds, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.