Getting rid of crackles requires treating their cause. Doctors usually treat bacterial pneumonia and bronchitis with antibiotics. A viral lung infections often has to run its course, but your doctor may treat it with antiviral medications.

What causes rales in lungs?

Crackles (Rales)

Crackles are also known as alveolar rales and are the sounds heard in a lung field that has fluid in the small airways. The sound crackles create are fine, short, high-pitched, intermittently crackling sounds. The cause of crackles can be from air passing through fluid, pus or mucus.

Will rales go away?

The crackles may fade or disappear after treatment. However, if the cause is a chronic condition, the crackles may occur on and off for an extended period. Below are some treatments for common causes of bibasilar crackles. A doctor may prescribe diuretics for a person with heart failure.