In a patient with congestive heart failure, auscultation reveals a popping sound described as 'hair being rubbed between the fingers'. Which term best describes this finding?

In a patient with congestive heart failure, auscultation reveals a popping sound described as 'hair being rubbed between the fingers'. Which term best describes this finding?

• A. Wheezes
• B. Crackles
• C. Bronchial
• D. Rhonchi

Answer: (B)

That sound is crackles. Crackles are fine, popping inspiratory sounds that occur when small airways and alveoli that have been inflated with fluid suddenly reopen. In congestive heart failure, fluid overload pushes fluid into the interstitial and alveolar spaces, creating the conditions for these crackles to be heard, especially at the bases of the lungs. The hair-rubbing description is a classic way to describe fine crackles, which are typically heard on inspiration. Wheezes, by contrast, are musical and continuous, caused by narrowed or constricted airways. Bronchial breath sounds are louder and harsher, like coming from the trachea. Rhonchi are coarse, snoring sounds from secretions in larger airways that may clear with coughing. The crackles point to pulmonary edema from CHF and help differentiate it from other chest sounds.

That sound is crackles. Crackles are fine, popping inspiratory sounds that occur when small airways and alveoli that have been inflated with fluid suddenly reopen. In congestive heart failure, fluid overload pushes fluid into the interstitial and alveolar spaces, creating the conditions for these crackles to be heard, especially at the bases of the lungs. The hair-rubbing description is a classic way to describe fine crackles, which are typically heard on inspiration.

Wheezes, by contrast, are musical and continuous, caused by narrowed or constricted airways. Bronchial breath sounds are louder and harsher, like coming from the trachea. Rhonchi are coarse, snoring sounds from secretions in larger airways that may clear with coughing. The crackles point to pulmonary edema from CHF and help differentiate it from other chest sounds.