What term best defines a high-pitched whistling sound heard during inhalation?

The term that best describes a high-pitched whistling sound heard during inhalation is stridor. Stridor is typically associated with a narrowing of the airway, and it is especially concerning as it often indicates a potentially serious condition like an obstructed airway, croup, or anaphylaxis.

While wheezing is also a whistling sound, it primarily occurs during exhalation and is commonly associated with conditions affecting the lower airways, such as asthma. Dyspnea refers to difficulty breathing and doesn't specify a particular sound, while apnea indicates a temporary cessation of breathing. Understanding the distinctions between these terms is crucial for accurately assessing and responding to respiratory distress in patients.