Question

Adventitious breath sounds similar to fine crackles but do not last and disappear after first few breaths. Typically heard in the elderly, bedridden people, and those just waking up from sleep.

Answer 1

Transient crackles heard in the elderly or those waking up, usually benign but can indicate underlying respiratory conditions if persistent or with symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

The adventitious breath sounds you are describing, which are similar to fine crackles but disappear after the first few breaths, are often heard in the elderly, bedridden individuals, and those just waking up. These sounds are transitory and may indicate sections of the airways opening up after being closed during periods of inactivity, such as sleep. This phenomenon is typically not harmful and is considered to be within the spectrum of normal respiratory sounds under these circumstances. However, when these sounds are persistent or accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath, fever, or a productive wet cough, they may suggest underlying conditions such as pneumonia or other respiratory infections, which require medical evaluation and possibly a chest radiograph to diagnose properly.