What does the term "rales" refer to in a medical context?

The term "rales" specifically refers to wet, crackling sounds that are heard during respiration, often indicating fluid in the airways or lungs. These sounds can be associated with various medical conditions, including pneumonia, heart failure, and pulmonary edema. The presence of rales typically signifies that there may be an obstruction or fluid accumulation in the respiratory system, which is important for healthcare providers to recognize in order to assess and manage a patient’s respiratory health effectively. Observing rales can guide further diagnostic testing and treatment decisions in a clinical setting, making it a critical term within medical vocabulary.