Basics of Lung Sounds

Crackles - Coarse (Rales) Sounds

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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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The recommended auscultation position for the stethoscope is the Chest wall position. For this sound, use stethoscope's Diaphragm.

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The recommended patient position is Seated

Waveform

This waveform plots sound amplitude on the vertical axis against time on the horizontal axis.

Skin and Ribs

Blended View

Lungs

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Lessons

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

Listening Tips
A synopsis of important sound features and timing for this abnormality.
Course crackles are discontinuous, brief, popping sounds. Similar to the sound of a hook and loop fastener being pulled apart. They have also been described as a bubbling sound. More common during inspiration.

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CourseID	201
CourseCaseOrder	3
ID	60