What breath sounds might be present in someone experiencing a pneumothorax?

The presence of diminished or absent breath sounds on the affected side is indicative of a pneumothorax, which occurs when air accumulates in the pleural space, causing the lung on that side to partially or completely collapse. This condition leads to reduced airflow to the affected lung and results in less sound being transmitted during auscultation. When assessing breath sounds, healthcare providers often note that breath sounds may be notably reduced or completely absent over the area where the pneumothorax has occurred.

Normal and clear breath sounds would suggest that both lungs are functioning well and that there is no obstruction or collapse, which is not the case in a pneumothorax. Wheezing is typically associated with bronchospasm or airway obstruction, and bronchial sounds are more indicative of lung consolidation rather than a pneumothorax, where one would expect to hear diminished sounds instead.