Fine rales are soft, high-pitched sounds that can be heard during breathing, often indicating the presence of fluid in the lungs. They are typically associated with conditions such as pneumonia, heart failure, or pulmonary edema. Fine rales are usually detected through a stethoscope during a physical examination. These sounds occur when air passes through small airways that are narrowed or filled with fluid, creating a crackling or popping noise. Fine rales are different from coarse rales, which are louder and lower in pitch. Identifying fine rales can help healthcare professionals assess a patient's respiratory health.