Are inspiratory and expiratory crackles normal after chest tube insertion?

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Last updated: February 11, 2025 • View editorial policy

From the Research

Inspiratory and Expiratory Crackles

  • Inspiratory and expiratory crackles are sounds that can be heard on auscultation of the chest and are often associated with various pulmonary disorders 1, 2.
  • The mechanism of production of these sounds is thought to be related to the sudden opening or closing of airways during inspiration or expiration, respectively 1, 2.
  • Studies have shown that inspiratory crackles are almost twice as numerous as expiratory crackles and have predominately negative polarity 1.

Clinical Significance

  • Crackles can be an important diagnostic tool in the identification of various pulmonary disorders, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 3, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) 4, and pneumonia 1.
  • The timing, pitch, and waveform of crackles can provide valuable information about the underlying pulmonary pathophysiology 2.
  • Fine crackles on chest auscultation have been shown to be a sensitive and robust screening tool for the early diagnosis of IPF 4.

Chest Tube Insertion

  • There is limited evidence to suggest that inspiratory and expiratory crackles are normal after chest tube insertion 5.
  • However, it is possible that crackles may be heard after chest tube insertion due to the underlying condition that required the insertion of the chest tube, such as pneumothorax or pleural effusion.
  • Further research is needed to determine the clinical significance of crackles after chest tube insertion.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.