Rales

Rales, also known as crackles, are abnormal breath sounds heard through a stethoscope during inhalation. They occur when small airways and alveoli in the lungs open suddenly after being closed due to fluid, mucus, or other substances. Rales often indicate underlying lung issues such as pneumonia, heart failure, or pulmonary fibrosis. They can be fine (high-pitched) or coarse (lower-pitched), and their presence helps healthcare providers assess lung health and diagnose respiratory conditions.