Which sound is typically heard as a high-pitched exhale in airway obstruction?

• A. Rales
• B. Wheezing
• C. Stridor
• D. Snoring

Answer: (B)

Wheezing is a high-pitched, musical sound produced by turbulent airflow through narrowed airways, and it is most often heard during expiration when airway resistance is greatest. This expiratory wheeze is typical of bronchospasm or partial obstruction from asthma or COPD, where the smaller airways constrict and mucus can further narrow them. Other sounds point to different problems: rales (crackles) come from fluid in the air sacs, stridor is a harsh sound on inspiration from upper airway obstruction, and snoring comes from partial obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. So the described high-pitched exhale fits wheezing best.