The term "pleural rale" refers to a specific type of lung sound that can be heard upon auscultation. The word is spelled with "pleural" derived from the Latin "pleura" meaning rib or side and "rale" from the French word "râle," meaning rattling or snoring. The IPA phonetic transcription for "pleural rale" is /ˈplʊərəl reɪl/. This sound is present in conditions like pneumonia, bronchitis, or pleural effusion. Proper identification of sounds like these is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment of such respiratory issues.
Pleural rale, also referred to as pleural crackles, is a medical term used to describe abnormal sounds that can be heard through a stethoscope during a physical examination of the lungs. These sounds are indicative of a condition affecting the pleural space, the area between the lungs and the chest wall.
Pleural rales are characterized by a cracking or bubbling noise that can be heard during the inhalation and exhalation phases of breathing. These sounds occur when there is an abnormality within the pleural space, typically due to the presence of fluid, inflammation, or infection. The abnormal sounds are a result of the rubbing together of the inflamed or compromised pleural surfaces. This rubbing can cause friction and result in the creation of the distinctive crackling noise.
Pleural rales are often associated with various lung conditions, such as pneumonia, congestive heart failure, pulmonary edema, and lung fibrosis. Diagnostic tests, such as chest x-rays, CT scans, and ultrasound, are commonly used to investigate the underlying cause of the pleural rales.
If a patient presents with pleural rales, it is important for medical professionals to identify the underlying cause in order to provide appropriate treatment. Management may involve addressing the primary condition causing the rales, such as administering antibiotics for pneumonia or diuretics for congestive heart failure. In certain cases, the removal of excess fluid from the pleural space (via thoracentesis) may be necessary to alleviate symptoms and improve lung function.
Overall, pleural rale is a term used to describe the abnormal lung sounds heard during auscultation, which can indicate various underlying conditions affecting the pleural space.
A friction sound produced by the rubbing together of roughened pleural surfaces.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "pleural rale" is a medical term used to describe a specific type of abnormal lung sound heard during auscultation (listening to the sounds produced by the body).
The word "pleural" refers to the pleura, which is the thin membrane that lines the chest cavity and covers the lungs. The pleura helps to protect and lubricate the lungs during breathing.
The term "rale" comes from the French word "ra-ler", which means "to rattle". In medical terminology, a rale is an abnormal lung sound usually caused by the presence of fluid or mucus in the airways. It is commonly associated with certain lung diseases or conditions, such as pneumonia, congestive heart failure, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).