Lung Auscultation Guide

Comprehensive guide to lung sounds and assessment

Lung Sounds

Normal Sounds

Adventitious Sounds

Vesicular Breathing
Normal

Normal breath sounds heard over most lung fields

Best Heard At:

Peripheral lung fields

Timing:

Throughout breathing cycle

Pitch/Quality:

Low-pitched, soft

Clinical Significance:

Normal lung sounds

Systematic Auscultation Sites

Systematic Approach

  1. Compare bilateral sides at each level
  2. Start from apices and work downward
  3. Listen to at least one full respiratory cycle at each site
  4. Ask patient to breathe deeply through mouth
  5. Note any asymmetry or adventitious sounds