What do rales indicate when heard during auscultation?

Rales, also known as crackles, are abnormal lung sounds that can be heard during auscultation. They typically present as a wet crackling noise and occur when air moves through fluid in the airways or when the small air sacs in the lungs (alveoli) are opened or closed during breathing. The presence of rales often indicates conditions such as pneumonia, heart failure, or pulmonary edema, where there is fluid accumulation in the lungs.

When healthcare professionals listen to the lungs, distinguishing these sounds can provide valuable insights into a patient's respiratory health. The term "crackles" specifically refers to the sound produced by the movement of air through congested or fluid-filled airways, which is why identifying rales as wet crackling noises is essential in clinical assessment. This understanding helps guide further diagnostic and treatment decisions.