What do coarse crackles indicate

If the heart is not working correctly, the blood does not exit the lungs as quickly as it should. This can cause fluid to build up, and it can pool in the lungs. Heart failure can affect both children and adults. Heart failure affects approximately 5. Beyond bibasilar crackles, symptoms may include swelling in the abdomen, coughing, and shortness of breath. Bronchitis involves inflammation of the bronchi, which are the tubes leading to the lungs.

Bronchitis can be acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis often results from a virus, and it typically lasts for 3—10 days. Pulmonary edema involves a buildup of fluid in the alveoli, which are small air sacs in the lungs. Pulmonary edema can result from altitude sickness, which occurs when a person unaccustomed to altitudes ascends to 2, meters or higher.

In addition to bibasilar crackles, symptoms of pulmonary edema include coughing, trouble breathing, blue-tinged lips, and spitting up pink, frothy mucus.

Pulmonary fibrosis is a type of interstitial lung disease characterized by scarring of the lungs. In most cases, the underlying cause is unknown. However, pulmonary fibrosis can result from exposure to hazardous materials, such as radiation, animal droppings, and asbestos. A doctor can diagnose bibasilar crackles using lung auscultation, which involves listening to lungs sounds with a stethoscope. Several characteristics can help a doctor to determine the cause of the crackles, including whether they occur when a person inhales or exhales.

For example, crackles that occur late in the inspiratory phase when a person inhales may indicate heart failure or pneumonia. Treatment for bibasilar crackles will depend on the underlying cause. The crackles may fade or disappear after treatment. However, if the cause is a chronic condition, the crackles may occur on and off for an extended period. A doctor may prescribe diuretics for a person with heart failure. Diuretics are medications developed to reduce levels of fluid in the lungs.

A person may require antibiotics if the crackles have resulted from bacterial pneumonia or bronchitis. Many causes of bibasilar crackles lead to shortness of breath.

Oxygen therapy can help to make breathing easier. Making certain lifestyle changes, such as stopping smoking, may help to treat the underlying condition and prevent long-term complications. The crackles are an abnormal sound, and they usually indicate that an underlying condition requires treatment. It is best heard in the lower anterior lungs and lateral chest, during both inspiration and expiration. Question 1 of 3. This lung sound is likened to hair being rubbed close to the ear and can be heard in a patient with pulmonary fibrosis.

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Log In. Sign Up. Online CPD Articles. Document 4m of CPD. Test Your Knowledge Subscribers Only. Sonorous wheezes. Sibilant wheezes. Crackles are referred to as discontinuous sounds; they are intermittent, nonmusical and brief. Crackles may be heard on inspiration or expiration. The popping sounds produced are created when air is forced through respiratory passages that are narrowed by fluid, mucus, or pus. Crackles are often associated with inflammation or infection of the small bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli.

Crackles that don't clear after a cough may indicate pulmonary edema or fluid in the alveoli due to heart failure or adult respiratory distress syndrome ARDS.

Wheezes are sounds that are heard continuously during inspiration or expiration, or during both inspiration and expiration. They are caused by air moving through airways narrowed by constriction or swelling of airway or partial airway obstruction.