C.H.E.C.K

The sound of dry inspiratory crackles should sound the ILD alarm

Listen for the sound that can help diagnose ILD

Listen for the sound that can help diagnose ILD

In many patients with ILD, you can hear inspiratory crackles that sound just like Velcro® being peeled apart. Classic features of crackles associated with ILD include1-3:

  • Bibasilar predominance2
  • Middle-to-late inspiration1
  • Short duration3
  • Does not clear with cough1
C.H.E.C.K. FOR ILD TODAY
C Cough that is nonproductive and chronic4-6
H HRCT can identify lung abnormalities7
E Exertional dyspnea even with mild activity4-6
C Crackles that are bibasilar on inspiration6
K Know your patients' PFT results8
Use this questionnaire with your patients to check for associated symptoms

Use this questionnaire with your patients to check for associated symptoms

Take prompt action if ILD is suspected and refer to a lung specialist for further evaluation

References:
1. Kraman SS. Arch Intern Med. 1986;146(7):1411-1412. 2. Raghu G et al; on behalf of the ATS/ERS/JRS/ALAT Committee on Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2018;198(5):e44-e68. 3. Sgalla G et al. BMC Pulm Med. 2018;18(1):103. 4. Cosgrove GP et al. BMC Pulm Med. 2018;18(1):9. 5. Wong C et al. Cureus. 2018;10(10):e3991. 6. Zibrak JD, Price D. NPJ Prim Care Respir Med. 2014;24:14054. 7. Mueller-Mang C et al. Radiographics. 2007;27(3):595-615. 8. Ryu JH et al. Mayo Clin Proc. 2007;82(8):976-986.