What term describes a difficulty in breathing characterized by a whistling sound?

The term that describes a difficulty in breathing characterized by a whistling sound is "wheezes." Wheezing occurs when the airways are narrowed or obstructed, often leading to a high-pitched sound during expiration. This sound is typically associated with conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, or other respiratory distress where airflow is compromised.

Wheezing indicates that there may be inflammation, constriction, or blockage in the air passages, and recognizing this symptom can be crucial for diagnosis and treatment. Health professionals listen for wheezes using a stethoscope during a physical examination, which helps in assessing the severity of a patient's respiratory condition.

In contrast, terms like bradypnea refer to slow breathing, stridor is associated with a high-pitched sound due to upper airway obstruction, and rales describe crackling or popping sounds typically heard during inhalation, often linked with fluid in the lungs. Each term refers to distinct respiratory sounds or breathing patterns, but "wheezes" specifically captures the whistling quality indicative of narrowed airways.