Rattling noise

A Rattling noise (also: Rattle breathing) is caused by thin or viscous secretions in the lungs. In interaction with breathing, sounds of different characters then occur. The fluid retention can result from a weak heart, inflammation or chronic lung diseases.

What is a rattle sound?

A doctor will hear the rattle while listening to the lungs when fluids or secretions have built up in the airways.

The rattling noise is a sound that technical terminology refers to as secondary breathing noise. A doctor will hear the sound of listening to the lungs when fluids or secretions have built up in the airways.

During inhalation and exhalation, the movement of fluids and secretions creates a sound that masks the breathing sounds of a healthy lung. The rattling noise has different properties, depending on how thick or thin the secretion is. Thin secretions produce discontinuous side noises, the properties of which are divided into large, medium and small bubbles as well as ringing, non-ringing and metallic.

Continuous breathing sounds are caused by viscous secretions and include stridor, whistling / wheezing, and humming. The rattle sound is often abbreviated as RG.

causes

A rattle is caused by a build-up of fluids or secretions in the airways. These can enter the lungs due to various diseases or functional disorders.

Pulmonary edema causes discontinuous noises from breathing. Pulmonary edema is caused either by left heart failure, an inflammatory process, or poisoning. If the left half of the heart is weakened, it can no longer pump the blood coming from the lungs. This creates a backlog in the lungs, which leads to increased pressure on the pulmonary vessels. Fluid enters the lungs. Inflammatory processes such as pneumonia and poisoning can cause the blood vessels to become more permeable, so that fluid can also enter the lung tissue. Fluid can also enter the lungs from outside by inhaling it.

The larger the part of the lungs that is filled with fluid, the larger the volume of rattling noises. Large-bubble RG occur in pulmonary edema and bronchiectasis. The latter is an irreversible expansion of the bronchi, which is filled with fluid. Bronchitis often causes rattling noises with medium bubbles, while pneumonia affects the alveoli first and there are fine-bubble rattling noises.

The further away the RG is from the doctor's stethoscope, the less it sounds. Fluid build-up in the inner part of the lungs therefore creates non-ringing sounds. A pneumothorax, a reduced or impossible expansion of the lungs, causes a metallic RG.

The cause of continuous noises from breathing is often a swelling of the mucous membrane. Sometimes they create viscous secretions in the lungs. If the upper airway is narrowed, it is called a stridor. Bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can lead to high frequency whistling or wheezing. A low-frequency hum occurs when threads of mucus float freely in large parts of the lungs. The air you breathe makes these threads vibrate, creating tones and making a rattling noise.

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Diseases with this symptom

• bronchial asthma
• Bronchiectasis
• bronchitis
• Pulmonary embolism
• Heart failure

• COPD
• lung infection
• Pneumothorax
• Emphysema
• Pseudo croup

• Pulmonary edema
• poisoning
• Aspergillosis
• Dilated cardiomyopathy
• aspiration

Diagnosis & course

Pulmonary edema, which is associated with large accumulations of fluid, can sometimes be audible without a stethoscope. A doctor auscultates the patient's lungs and quickly recognizes whether it is a continuous or discontinuous rattle.

He examines the person affected for further symptoms in order to diagnose diseases such as left heart failure, pneumonia, bronchitis, pneumothorax, COPD or bronchial asthma. If it is not an acute emergency, he will take a detailed anamnesis and possibly have x-rays taken. The secretion secreted in the lungs is examined for pathogens or other infectious processes.

Complications

Rattling noises can arise due to various diseases of the lungs, these also carry some complications with them. For example, bronchial asthma produces the typical noises. In addition to shortness of breath and the fear of suffocation, the status asthmaticus is a dreaded complication.

In this asthma attack, antiasthmatics are usually ineffective, which is why this condition requires emergency medical care. There may be a lack of oxygen, causing the body to go into cyanosis. Chronic asthma can also lead to overinflation and destruction of the alveoli (pulmonary emphysema).

This increases the blood pressure in the supplying pulmonary vessels and puts strain on the right heart, which can result in cardiac insufficiency (right heart failure). In addition, pulmonary edema can also cause rattling noises. The accumulation of fluid can inflame the lungs (pneumonia) and cause shortness of breath and chest pain.

In the worst cases, respiratory failure occurs and the person concerned suffers from a lack of oxygen. In addition, the inflammation can spread over the entire body and thus lead to sepsis, which is often fatal. In some cases, inflammation of the meninges (meningitis) can also occur as a secondary disease, which can lead to an abscess in the brain, but inflammation of the heart or joints can also be considered.

When should you go to the doctor?

Rattling noises in the lungs must always be clarified by a doctor and treated if necessary. Rattling breath noises often indicate a respiratory disease that can be severe if left untreated. A visit to the doctor is recommended at the latest when the symptoms increase or accompanying symptoms set in. Warning signs of an underlying condition that require treatment include shortness of breath, dizziness and blue lips.

If you have severe breathing problems of this type, an emergency doctor should be called. If there is also a sore throat, fever or cough, a doctor can rule out or treat a possible infectious disease. Anyone who suspects an allergic reaction as the cause of the rattling noises should have an allergy test carried out. The symptoms may also be caused by a serious lung disease such as pulmonary edema, which must be treated immediately.

In general, unusual rattling noises, which may be associated with accompanying symptoms, require specialist treatment. Patients with an existing disease should discuss changes in breathing tone with the attending physician in order to avoid complications and a severe course.

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Treatment & Therapy

Rattling noises can be the symptom of a life-threatening situation. This is especially true if they occur suddenly. If there is an underlying left heart failure with pulmonary edema, the upper body of the person affected is elevated. The emergency medical team administers oxygen and medication. Left heart failure cannot be cured, but it can be treated with appropriate long-term drug therapy. Therapy may also include lifestyle adjustments based on the condition.

A pneumothorax can be life threatening. During the treatment, the expulsion of the air from the pleural space has top priority so that a negative pressure can build up. This is essential for the lungs to re-develop. The air is discharged through a chest drain. The so-called Bülau drainage drains liquids.

Bacterial pneumonia is usually treated with antibiotics. In addition, there are measures that alleviate the symptoms, such as bed rest and rest.

Bronchitis is treated with medication. A doctor will prescribe either antibiotics, bronchospasmolytics, or medication for the cough, depending on the type of bronchitis. Bronchial asthma is also treated with medication.

People affected by COPD are dependent on permanent breathing aid and extensive medical treatment. Depending on the severity of the case, the doctor may consider a lung transplant.

Outlook & forecast

A rattle noise can be caused by many different illnesses and other causes. In most cases, however, treatment by a doctor is necessary, and severe complications can occur without treatment. In the worst case scenario, acute shortness of breath or heart failure occurs. The shortness of breath often leads to panic attacks. An asthma attack can also occur. The patient's everyday life is therefore severely restricted. Physical exertion is no longer possible.

If the fluid in the lungs ignites, it can lead to pneumonia. This generally leads to a lack of oxygen and has a very negative effect on the entire body. Inflammation in the brain or heart can also occur. These have serious consequences for the patient.

The treatment is carried out, depending on the cause, by surgery or with the help of antibiotics. In the event of acute attacks, an emergency doctor must be called to take care of the patient.

You can find your medication here

➔ Medicines for lung and bronchial ailments

prevention

In order to keep the lungs healthy and to prevent rattling noises, it is advisable to refrain from smoking. People with a predisposition to bronchial asthma or COPD particularly benefit from a healthy lifestyle with exercise. Regular exercise increases the volume of the lungs and the network of capillaries so that more oxygen can be absorbed with one breath.

You can do that yourself

Rattling noises can be alleviated by a few simple measures and various home remedies. Tea preparations made from ginger, spruce, thyme or mullein have proven successful. Heavy mucus can be relieved by steam baths or inhalations with eucalyptus, sage or camphor. In order to stimulate the mucous membranes and thus promote the removal of the mucus, sufficient fluid should also be absorbed. Accompanying this are recommended [[heat therapy warmth and bed rest.

If the rattling noises are caused by bronchitis, homeopathic remedies can also be used. Globules such as Bryonia, Echinacea or Aconitum relieve the symptoms and are especially helpful at the beginning of a cold or bronchitis. Classic home remedies such as garlic or ginger act as natural antibiotics and make it easier for the bronchi to break down excess mucus. Lettuce is also said to have a soothing effect on bronchitis-like symptoms.

If you hear rattling breath noises, you should avoid gluten, as the substance may still promote the formation of slime. The same applies to milk and milk products as well as irritating foods and dishes. Smoking should be stopped immediately in the event of respiratory problems. In order to prevent rattling noises in the long term, it is recommended to strengthen the immune system and the respiratory system by reducing stress, eating a balanced diet and exercising.