What type of breath sounds might be present in a patient with a Pulmonary Embolism?

In a patient with a pulmonary embolism, the presence of wheezing, crackles, and a pleural friction rub can be indicative of the condition's impact on lung function and gas exchange.

Wheezing may occur due to bronchospasm or narrowing of the airways as a result of hypoxia or inflammation, leading to turbulent airflow. Crackles can be present because of atelectasis (lung collapse) or fluid in the alveoli due to impaired perfusion and changes in lung compliance typically associated with pulmonary emboli. Additionally, a pleural friction rub may be audible if there is inflammation of the pleura, which can occur in some cases of pulmonary embolism due to underlying conditions or secondary factors.

These abnormal breath sounds help clinicians assess the severity and complications associated with a pulmonary embolism, guiding further diagnostic and therapeutic actions. In contrast, normal and clear sounds would not indicate the presence of a serious condition like a pulmonary embolism, while other combinations of sounds such as stridor or snoring are typically associated with different pathologies and not directly related to the respiratory manifestations of a pulmonary embolism.