<Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> Problems playing this file? See media help . </Td> </Tr> <P> Crackles, crepitations, or rales (/ ˈrɑːlz / (listen) RAHLZ or / ˈrælz / RALZ) are the clicking, rattling, or crackling noises that may be made by one or both lungs of a human with a respiratory disease during inhalation . They are often heard only with a stethoscope ("on auscultation"). Bilateral crackles refers to the presence of crackles in both lungs . </P> <P> Basal or basilar crackles (not to be confused with the basilar artery of the brain) are crackles apparently originating in or near the base of the lung . Bibasal or bibasilar crackles refer to crackles at the bases of both the left and right lungs . Bilateral basal crackles also refers to the presence of basal crackles in both lungs . </P> <P> Crackles are caused by the "popping open" of small airways and alveoli collapsed by fluid, exudate, or lack of aeration during expiration . The word "rales" derives from the French word râle meaning "rattle". </P>

Where do you hear crackles in the lungs