DRY RALE Meaning and
Definition
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A dry rale, also known as a dry crackle, refers to a type of abnormal respiratory sound that can be heard during auscultation (using a stethoscope to listen to the internal sounds of the body) of the lungs. It is characterized by a sharp, non-musical crackling sound, usually low-pitched, that occurs during inspiration (breathing in) or expiration (breathing out).
The term "dry" in dry rale refers to the absence of fluid, primarily describing the lack of pulmonary secretions or excessive mucous production in the airways. It is often associated with various clinical conditions affecting the respiratory system, particularly those involving the small airways of the lungs. Examples include bronchitis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pneumonia.
The dry rale sound arises due to the abnormal passage of air through narrowed or obstructed airways. This can result from inflammation, mucous accumulation, or constriction of the bronchial tubes. The crackling noise is typically caused by the opening and closing of collapsed or partially closed airways during respiration. The intensity and location of the dry rale can vary depending on the underlying cause and the specific area of the lungs involved.
Identifying and interpreting dry rales during auscultation is important for healthcare professionals, as it can provide valuable diagnostic information regarding the condition of the patient's respiratory system. It requires expertise and keen listening skills to differentiate the dry rales from other abnormal lung sounds, ensuring accurate assessment and appropriate management of the underlying respiratory disorder.
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A sound produced by a constriction in a bronchial tube or the presence of a viscid secretion narrowing the lumen.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for DRY RALE
- sry rale
- xry rale
- cry rale
- fry rale
- rry rale
- ery rale
- dey rale
- ddy rale
- dfy rale
- dty rale
- d5y rale
- d4y rale
- drt rale
- drg rale
- drh rale
- dru rale
- dr7 rale
- dr6 rale
- dry eale
- dry dale
Etymology of DRY RALE
The term "dry rale" originates from medical terminology. "Rale" comes from the French word "raie", which means "rake" or "open space". In medicine, a rale is a rattling or gurgling sound heard in the lungs during breathing. It is typically caused by the accumulation of fluid or mucus in the airways.
The term "dry" in "dry rale" refers to the absence of fluid in the airways. It signifies a wheezing or crackling sound made when air passes through narrowed or obstructed passages without the presence of excessive secretions. It is called "dry" to differentiate it from other types of rales that are associated with fluid accumulation in the lungs.
Etymologically, "dry rale" is a combination of two words: "dry", meaning without fluid, and "rale", meaning a respiratory sound related to lung pathology.
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