Why Crackles in Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection in your lungs. It may be in one or both lungs. The infection causes air sacs in your lungs to become pus-filled and inflamed. This causes a cough, difficulty breathing, and crackles.

Where are crackles heard in pneumonia?

Fine crackles are heard during late inspiration and may sound like hair rubbing together. These sounds originate in the small airways/alveoli and may be heard in interstitial pneumonia or pulmonary fibrosis.

What type of crackles are heard with pneumonia?

Fine crackles are heard with pulmonary edema, pulmonary fibrosis, and pneumonia; they are predominantly inspiratory and described as above. Coarse crackles are usually heard at the beginning of expiration and are characteristic of bronchiectasis.