North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

Wheezing lung sounds are typically indicative of which condition?

1. Pneumonia

2. Asthma

3. COPD

4. Pulmonary edema

The correct answer is: Asthma

Wheezing lung sounds are primarily indicative of bronchoconstriction, which is frequently observed during an asthma attack. In asthma, the airways become inflamed and narrowed, making it difficult for air to flow in and out. This narrowing causes a high-pitched sound during exhalation known as wheezing, particularly noticeable in the presence of underlying airway hyper-responsiveness. Asthma typically manifests with acute episodes that can be triggered by allergens, exercise, cold air, or respiratory infections, leading to the characteristic wheezing sounds as a result of constricted air passages. While conditions such as COPD and pulmonary edema may also produce wheezing, asthma is uniquely characterized by the episodic nature and the specific airway obstruction pattern typical of this condition.