Basics of Lung Sounds

Crackles - Coarse (Rales)

Coarse crackles are discontinuous, brief, popping lung sounds. Compared to fine crackles they are louder, lower in pitch and last longer. They have also been described as a bubbling sound. You can simulate this sound by rolling strands of hair between your fingers near your ear.

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Position: Chest wall
Chestpiece: Diaphragm

Maneuver: Seated

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Skin and Ribs

Blended View

Lungs

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Table of Contents

1	Vesicular - Normal
2	Crackles - Fine (Rales)
3	Crackles - Coarse (Rales)
4	Wheeze
5	Rhonchi - Low Pitched Wheezes
6	Bronchial
7	Pleural Rubs
8	Bronchovesicular

Practice Drill