Crackling
Crackling
Crackling (/ˈkræk.lɪŋ/) is a term used in the medical field to describe a type of sound heard in the lungs during auscultation.
Etymology
The term "crackling" is derived from the Old English word "cracian", which means "to make a sharp noise". In the medical context, it was first used in the 19th century to describe the sound similar to that of crackling firewood heard in certain lung conditions.
Definition
Crackling, also known as crackles, is a type of lung sound characterized by discontinuous, brief, popping sounds. These sounds are usually heard during inspiration and are often associated with various respiratory conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and pulmonary edema.
Types
There are two types of crackles: fine and coarse.
- Fine crackles are soft, high-pitched, and very brief in duration. They are often heard in conditions such as interstitial lung disease and congestive heart failure.
- Coarse crackles are louder, lower in pitch, and longer in duration. They are typically heard in conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia.
Related Terms
- Rales: An older term for crackles.
- Wheezing: A high-pitched whistling sound made while breathing. It's often associated with asthma, COPD, and bronchitis.
- Stridor: A high-pitched, wheezing sound caused by disrupted airflow. Stridor may also suggest a blockage or obstruction in the upper airway.
- Rhonchi: A low-pitched sound that can be heard during both inhalation and exhalation. Rhonchi often suggests mucus or fluid in the larger airways.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Crackling
- Wikipedia's article - Crackling
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