When explaining crackles to a patient with respiratory distress, which statement is appropriate?

When explaining crackles to a patient with respiratory distress, which statement is appropriate?

• A. They are indicative of pleural rubbing.
• B. They are signs of bronchial constriction.
• C. Crackles are located in the smaller air passages.
• D. Crackles are heard during respiratory expiration.

Answer: (C)

Crackles come from the tiny airways and alveoli popping open as you inhale, especially when those distal passages are fluid-filled or collapsed and then reopen. That’s why crackles are described as originating in the smaller air passages. They aren’t the result of pleural rubbing, which is a grating sound from the pleural surfaces; nor do they come from bronchial constriction, which typically causes wheezes. Crackles are usually heard during inspiration when air flow is entering the small airways.

Crackles come from the tiny airways and alveoli popping open as you inhale, especially when those distal passages are fluid-filled or collapsed and then reopen. That’s why crackles are described as originating in the smaller air passages. They aren’t the result of pleural rubbing, which is a grating sound from the pleural surfaces; nor do they come from bronchial constriction, which typically causes wheezes. Crackles are usually heard during inspiration when air flow is entering the small airways.