In bronchiolitis, auscultation commonly reveals what findings?

• A. Dullness to percussion
• B. Fine rales or wheezing with prolonged expiratory phase
• C. Crackles without wheeze
• D. Wheezing at rest only

Answer: (B)

In bronchiolitis, the small airways become inflamed and narrowed, causing obstruction that is most noticeable during expiration. This leads to audible crackles (fine rales) and expiratory wheeze as air moves through the inflamed bronchioles. The obstruction makes exhalation take longer, so the expiratory phase is prolonged. Percussion is typically normal because there isn’t dense consolidation or fluid; dullness would suggest pneumonia or effusion rather than bronchiolitis. Wheezing isn’t limited to rest; it often accompanies the respiratory distress of bronchiolitis. Thus, the finding of fine rales or wheezing with a prolonged expiratory phase best fits the picture.