Crackles

For other meanings, see Crackle.
Crackles
Other namesCrepitations, rales
Crackles heard in the lungs of a person with pneumonia using a stethoscope.
Pronunciation
SpecialtyPulmonology

Crackles are the clicking, rattling, or crackling noises that may be made by one or both lungs of a human with a respiratory disease during inhalation, and occasionally during exhalation. They are usually heard only with a stethoscope ("on auscultation"). Pulmonary crackles are abnormal breath sounds that were formerly referred to as rales.[2]

Bilateral crackles refers to the presence of crackles in both lungs. Basal crackles are crackles apparently originating in or near the base of the lung. Bibasal crackles, also called bilateral basal crackles, are crackles heard at the bases of both the left and right lungs.

Crackles are caused by the "popping open" of small airways and alveoli collapsed by fluid, exudate, or lack of aeration during expiration.

Crackles can be heard in patients with pneumonia, atelectasis, pulmonary fibrosis, acute bronchitis, bronchiectasis, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), interstitial lung disease or post thoracotomy or metastasis ablation. Pulmonary edema secondary to left-sided congestive heart failure can also cause crackles.

  1. ^ Jones D (2003) [1917], Roach P, Hartmann J, Setter J (eds.), English Pronouncing Dictionary, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, ISBN 978-3-12-539683-8
  2. ^ Cahalin LP, Buck LA. Physical Therapy Associated With Cardiovascular Pump Dysfunction and Failure. In: DeTurk WE, Cahalin LP. eds. 'Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy: An Evidence-Based Approach, 3e'. McGraw-Hill; Accessed August 16, 2020