What Does a Pleural Rub Indicate

A pleural friction rub is almost always a sign of pleurisy. Pleurisy, otherwise known as pleuritis

What would cause a pleural rub?

Pleural rubs are common in pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, and pleurisy. Because these sounds occur whenever the patient’s chest wall moves, they appearon inspiration and expiration. Pleural friction rub occurs when the two layers of tissue become inflamed or if they lose the lubrication between them.

What is the difference between crackles and pleural friction rubs?

Crackles are high-pitched discontinuous sounds during inspiration not cleared by a cough and further defined as fine and coarse. Pleural friction rub occurs during inhalation and exhalation, may be continuous or broken and creaking or grating. They stop when the patient holds their breath.