What does "No rales" mean in a report or doctor's letter? In our medical dictionary, you will find a patient-friendly explanation of the meaning of this medical term.
"No rales" refers to the absence of a specific type of abnormal sound in the lungs. These sounds, called rales or crackles, can be heard when a doctor listens to your chest with a stethoscope. They often indicate the presence of fluid or mucus in the airways, which can be a sign of various lung conditions. Therefore, "no rales" means that these abnormal sounds were not detected, suggesting the lungs are functioning normally.
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