Lung sounds are more easily heard in children, compared to adults. Recent advances in acoustic and computer technologies have made it possible to record and analyze normal and adventitious breath sounds. Increasing knowledge of the mechanisms of sound generation or sound transmission and the lung sound characteristics associated with changes in airway configuration is adding value to the art of auscultation. Our recent research on normal breath sound intensity and frequency distribution in asthmatic children revealed a significant association between lung function and acoustic parameters of lung sounds. Application of these new research techniques to the investigation of upper respiratory sounds might be useful in the field of pediatric otorhinolaryngology.
