What is a characteristic of stridor?

Stridor is characterized as a high-pitched, wheezing, or squeaking sound that occurs during inhalation or exhalation and is indicative of an airway obstruction or narrowing. This abnormal sound arises from turbulent airflow in the upper airways, which can signal potential respiratory distress in patients.

In this context, stridor is not associated with normal respiratory sounds, which would be smooth and unobtrusive. Silent breathing patterns and a relaxed state of breathing suggest unobstructed airways and normal respiratory function, which would not produce the sounds associated with stridor. Thus, the defining feature of stridor is its noisy respiratory quality, which reflects the underlying pathophysiology of the breathing issue. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the abnormal nature of stridor as indicative of noisy respiration, suggesting a need for assessment and potentially urgent intervention.