Crackles - Early Inspiratory (Rales) | #148

Early inspiratory crackles (rales), as suggested by the title, begin and end during the early part of inspiration. The pitch is lower than late inspiratory crackles. A patient's cough may decrease or clear these lung sounds. Early inspiratory crackles suggest decreased FEV1 capacity and are characteristic of COPD.

Patient Sounds

patient heart or lung sound
Crackles - Early Inspiratory (Rales)

Half Speed Patient Sounds

patient heart or lung sound
Crackles - Early Inspiratory (Rales)

Technique

Patient position
The patient's position should be sitting.

Auscultation Tips

Features:Occur early in inspiration. Can be lower-pitched than late inspiratory crackles. Coughing may decrease or clear these crackles

Sound Wave

Authors and Sources

Authors and Reviewers


Sources

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Crackles - Early Inspiratory (Rales) | #148




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