What lung sound resembles bubbles and is caused by fluid in the alveoli?

The lung sound that resembles bubbles and is associated with the presence of fluid in the alveoli is crackles. Crackles, also known as rales, occur when air passes through fluid-filled airways or alveoli. This phenomenon is often heard during inhalation and is indicative of conditions such as pulmonary edema, pneumonia, or congestive heart failure, where fluid accumulates in the lungs. The sound is typically described as short, discontinuous bursts, much like the sound of air bubbles popping.

Wheezes, on the other hand, are high-pitched sounds occurring during expiration due to narrowed airways typically seen in conditions like asthma or bronchitis. Stridor is a harsh, high-pitched sound produced during inhalation, often heard in cases of upper airway obstruction such as croup or anaphylaxis. Rhonchi are low-pitched, snoring-like sounds resulting from blockages or secretions in the larger airways and typically clear with coughing. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurately assessing respiratory conditions.