Rales

Rales or 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. They are usually heard with a stethoscope. They can be a sign of a large number of conditions, some more serious than others.

Causes

Rales can be caused by inflammation or infection of the airways that leads to fluid buildup, such as in pneumonia or heart failure. Other causes can include pulmonary edema, bronchitis, and tuberculosis.

Types

There are two types of rales: fine and coarse.

• Fine rales are soft, high-pitched, and very brief. This type of rale is often associated with pulmonary edema or pulmonary fibrosis.
• Coarse rales are louder, lower in pitch, and last longer. They are often associated with bronchitis or pneumonia.

Diagnosis

Rales are usually detected by a healthcare provider using a stethoscope during a physical examination. The provider may also ask about symptoms and medical history. Further tests, such as a chest X-ray or CT scan, may be needed to determine the underlying cause of the rales.

Treatment

Treatment for rales depends on the underlying cause. This may include medications to treat infection or inflammation, procedures to remove fluid from the lungs, or other treatments as needed.

See also

• Wheezing
• Stridor
• Pleural effusion

Rales Resources
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