What is the Difference Between Rhonchi and Crackles?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Rhonchi and crackles, also known as wheezes, are both abnormal lung sounds that can be heard during respiration. They are produced when air passes through accumulated fluids or secretions in the lungs. However, there are differences between the two types of sounds:
- Pitch: Rhonchi are continuous, low-pitched sounds, while crackles are discontinuous, interrupted, or explosive sounds. Crackles can be further classified into fine crackles (high-pitched) and coarse crackles (low-pitched).
- Duration: Rhonchi are relatively longer sounds, lasting for more than 250ms, while crackles are shorter, lasting for less than 25ms.
- Origin: Rhonchi are produced by the fluttering of narrowed airways and the air that flows through them. Crackles are generated by small airways snapping open on inspiration.
- Conditions: Both rhonchi and crackles can be caused by infections and fluid buildup in the lungs. However, specific conditions associated with rhonchi include pneumonia, bronchitis, respiratory infections that cause mucus buildup, and chronic lung diseases like COPD.
To diagnose and treat the cause of these abnormal lung sounds, a healthcare provider will use a patient's symptoms and any additional tests that may be needed. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the abnormal sounds.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Rhonchi and Crackles? Comparative Table: Rhonchi vs Crackles
Comparative Table: Rhonchi vs Crackles
Here is a table comparing the differences between rhonchi and crackles:
| Feature | Rhonchi | Crackles |
|---|---|---|
| Pitch | Low-pitched, similar to snores or sonorous wheezing | Short, explosive, and non-musical; fine or high-pitched, like rubbing hair |
| Sound Quality | Musical, continuous gurgling or bubbling sound | Produced by fluid-filled air sacs, can be fine (like rubbing hair) or coarse (like Velcro) |
| Causes | Accumulated fluids or secretions in the lungs, often cleared by coughing | Parenchymal lung diseases such as pneumonia, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, and pulmonary edema |
| Associated Conditions | Bronchitis, COPD, pneumonia, or cystic fibrosis | Asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, and emphysema |
| Treatment | Chest percussion (vibration vest) and fluids to loosen mucus | Diuretics (furosemide) or antibiotics for infection |
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- Bronchiolitis vs Pneumonia
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