What type of wheezing sound is produced in the bronchi during respiratory distress?

Wheezing is a high-pitched sound resulting from airflow through narrowed airways, typically occurring during respiratory distress. When considering the various types of abnormal lung sounds, rhonchi are particularly characterized by a low-pitched, rattling quality that often indicates the presence of secretions in the larger air passages, particularly the bronchi.

During episodes of respiratory distress, rhonchi suggest that the airways are partially obstructed by mucus or other issues, leading to the distinctive sound during exhalation. This type of sound is different from stridor, which is a high-pitched sound associated with upper airway obstruction, and typically signifies issues in the larynx or trachea. Crowing is a term often used to describe a sound associated with croup in children, indicating an upper airway obstruction as well. Gurgling sounds imply the presence of fluid in the airway, which can indicate a different type of respiratory problem.

In the context of respiratory distress specifically involving the bronchi, rhonchi are the sound most indicative of this condition. Hence, the presence of rhonchi points to bronchial problems, making it the correct answer in this scenario.