Sign in, or Join our Auscultation-Essentials plan. Join

Crackles - Fine (Rales)

Fine crackles are characteristically heard as sounding like the popping of a wood fire or velcro being pulled apart. Early inspiratory and expiratory crackles frequently accompany chronic bronchitis, while late inspiratory crackles can indicate more serious medical conditions such as pneumonia, congestive heart failure (CHF), or atelectasis.

Auscultation Sounds

auscultation sound from lesson
waveform

Patient Recording of Crackles - Fine (Rales)

patient heart or lung sound
Crackles - Fine (Rales)

Patient Recording - Half Speed

patient auscultation point for Crackles - Fine (Rales)
Crackles - Fine (Rales)

Position

Patient position for auscultation
The patient's position should be seated.

Listening Tips for Crackles - Fine (Rales)

Features:Rales are brief, discontinuous, popping sounds that are high-pitched. Similar to wood burning in a fireplace. More commonly heard during inspiration

Waveform (Phonocardiogram)

Authors and Sources

Authors and Reviewers


Sources

Return to Reference Guide Index Page
Crackles - Fine (Rales) | Lessons with Audio and Video | #72




An error has occurred. Please reload the page or visit our other website, Practical Clinical Skills. Reload 🗙