what cause rales lung sounds
Rales Definition. Rales are abnormal lung sounds that are rattling sounds or like a Velcro fastener being opened. They can sound like crinkled paper or salt in a hot frying pan. Rales are caused by the opening of small airways and alveoli. Crackles and rales mean the same thing.
Breath Sounds - Crackles. You are now listening to a typical example of breath sounds with scattered wet crackles. Also known as rales, these abnormal breath sounds are usually caused by excessive fluid within the airways. This fluid could be due to an exudate, as in pneumonia or other infections of the lung, or a transudate, as in congestive heart failure.