What is the Difference Between Stridor and Wheezing?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Stridor and wheezing are both noisy breathing sounds, but they have distinct differences:
- Stridor: This is a high-pitched sound that occurs when there is an obstruction or narrowing in the upper airway, such as the voice box or trachea. Stridor can happen during inspiration, expiration, or both, depending on the level of obstruction. It is often a sign of impending airway obstruction and should be considered an emergency. Common causes of stridor include a viral infection called croup, foreign object obstruction, or upper respiratory infections.
- Wheezing: This is a high-pitched noise that typically occurs during expiration. Wheezing is usually caused by narrowing, spasm, or obstruction of the smaller airways in the lungs. It is more common in people with allergies or asthma and can be triggered by various factors, such as viral infections or choking. Wheezing can be due to airway edema, smooth muscle constriction, increased secretions, or vascular compression.
In summary, the main difference between stridor and wheezing is that stridor is a high-pitched sound associated with obstruction in the upper airway, while wheezing is a high-pitched noise occurring primarily during expiration due to narrowing or obstruction of the smaller airways in the lungs.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Stridor and Wheezing? Comparative Table: Stridor vs Wheezing
Comparative Table: Stridor vs Wheezing
Here is a table comparing the differences between stridor and wheezing:
| Feature | Stridor | Wheezing |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A high-pitched, turbulent sound that can happen when a child inhales or exhales. | A higher-pitched sound that occurs primarily during expiration and is produced by airways of any size. |
| Location | Occurs due to obstruction of larger airways. | Occurs due to obstruction of smaller airways. |
| Sound Characteristic | Less musical sounding than a wheeze. | Musical sound produced primarily during expiration. |
| Causes | Often indicates an obstruction of any proximal airway or severe narrowing of large airways. | Common causes include asthma, reactive airway disease, and bronchospasms. |
| Severity | Stridor is often a sign of impending airway obstruction and should be considered an emergency. | Wheezing can vary in severity based on the underlying bronchospasms. |
| Treatment | Stridor requires urgent protection of the upper airway. | Wheezing is treated with bronchodilators such as beta agonists and may also require steroids for preventive medication. |
Distinguishing between stridor and wheezing is essential, as they can indicate different underlying conditions and require different treatments. A proper physical examination can help determine whether the patient has wheezing or stridor.
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- COPD vs Asthma
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