What sound is characteristic of stridor on inspiration?

• A. Low-pitched wheezing sound
• B. High-pitched wheezing sound
• C. Normal respiratory sound
• D. Deep and rumbling sound

Answer: (B)

Stridor is a high-pitched, typically musical sound that occurs during inspiration and indicates an upper airway obstruction or narrowing. This characteristic sound is produced when air flows through a constricted airway, causing turbulence and vibrating the tissues of the airway. The high pitch is often a result of the location of the obstruction, which is usually above the vocal cords.

Recognizing stridor is crucial in clinical practice as it can be a sign of serious conditions such as croup, anaphylaxis, or foreign body aspiration that require immediate intervention. Differentiating stridor from other respiratory sounds, such as wheezing or normal breath sounds, is essential for accurate diagnosis and management. Other options, such as low-pitched wheezing or normal respiratory sounds, do not accurately represent the high-pitched nature of stridor, making them unsuitable answers.