Rales vs. rhonchi
In most cases, rales and rhonchi are rough and crackling. Studies show that the difference between the two is in the pitch and the factor responsible for the sound.
Rhonchi
Rhonchi is a low-pitched sound that your doctor can hear in the more significant airways in the lungs. It is heard during inhalation or exhalation. In some cases, it sounds like snoring. It can come and go during breathing or be heard continuously. Rhonchi sound occurs when something hinders the passage of gas through the airway. The blockage is caused chiefly by fluids. The snoring sound occurs when the air tries to move past the blockage.
Rales
Rales have a higher pitch than rhonchi. It is also known as bibasilar crackles and crackles. Depending on your preference, your doctor might use these terms on different occasions. It would help to know that there is no difference between the two terms.
Rales are sounds that occur when air enters closed spaces. It mostly happens in the smaller region of the lungs, such as the alveoli. This usually occurs in the smaller parts of the lungs, like the alveoli. The alveoli are tiny sacs of air that expand or deflate any time you breathe. If they get destroyed or invaded with mucus or fluid, they will produce a crackling sound while trying to take in air. Takes can be classified into different groups depending on how they sound. Types of Rales are:
- Fine
- Coarse
- Dry
- Moist