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Lung Sounds - Pleural Friction Rub

Master Pleural Friction Rub Sounds

Master pleural friction rub with Picmonic! Our engaging characters, stories, and mnemonics make learning fun and interactive. Use our tools to understand this respiratory sound and its causes.

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Lung Sounds - Pleural Friction Rub

Lung Sounds - Pleural Friction Rub

Lung Stethoscope and Pearl Rubbing with Friction
Picmonic
A pleural friction rub occurs near the anterior lateral lung and develops due to rubbing of the pleural surfaces. The sensation of a pleural friction rub is often uncomfortable. This lung sound is prominent during both inspiration and expiration and does not resolve with coughing.
4 KEY FACTS
LOCATION
Anterior Lateral Lung
Anteater Ladder Lung

A pleural friction rub can be auscultated over the anterior lateral lung sounding like a creaking, grating sound.

DESCRIPTION
Dry, Rubbing, or Squeaking
Dry Rubber-chicken Squeaky-toy

A pleural friction rub is characterized as a dry, rubbing or squeaking sound due to the pleural spaces rubbing against each other. It is not cleared by a cough.

SOUNDS LIKE
Rubbing a Balloon with Finger
Rubbing a Balloon with Finger

Upon auscultation, a pleural friction rub should sound like rubbing a balloon with a finger due to the friction created from the pleural surfaces rubbing against each other.

CAUSE
Inflamed Pleura
Pearl In-flames

Pleural friction rubs are produced due to inflammation of the pleura. The inflammation leads to the pleural spaces moving too closely together and rubbing against each other. Pneumonia, pleurisy, and pulmonary infarction can all irritate and inflame the pleura causing a pleural friction rub to develop.

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