A general examination of the respiratory system

 


A general examination of the respiratory system involves a systematic assessment of the various components involved in breathing and oxygen exchange. Here's an overview of the key elements typically evaluated during a respiratory examination:


1. Patient History: Begin by gathering relevant information about the patient's medical history, including any respiratory conditions, allergies, exposure to environmental toxins, smoking history, and previous surgeries or treatments.


2. Observation: Observe the patient for signs of respiratory distress, such as abnormal breathing patterns, use of accessory muscles, cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin or lips), and the presence of a persistent cough.


3. Vital Signs: Measure the patient's vital signs, including respiratory rate (number of breaths per minute), heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature. Abnormalities in these measurements may indicate respiratory compromise.


4. Inspection: Examine the patient's face, neck, and chest for any visible abnormalities, such as deformities, asymmetry, or visible pulsations. Note any scars, rashes, or lesions that may be relevant to respiratory health.


5. Palpation: Gently palpate the chest wall to assess for tenderness, crepitus (crackling sensation), or abnormal masses. Assess the symmetry of chest expansion during breathing.


6. Percussion: Use percussion (tapping with the fingertips) to assess the resonance of different areas of the chest. Dullness or hyperresonance in certain regions may indicate underlying lung pathology.


7. Auscultation: Use a stethoscope to listen to breath sounds in different lung fields. Evaluate the intensity, quality, and pattern of breath sounds, including vesicular sounds (normal), bronchial sounds, crackles, wheezes, or diminished/absent sounds.


8. Additional Tests: Depending on the findings and clinical suspicion, additional tests may be ordered, such as pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gas analysis, chest X-ray, CT scan, or bronchoscopy. These investigations help in further assessing lung function, identifying specific abnormalities, and confirming diagnoses.


It's important to note that a comprehensive respiratory examination may vary based on the specific clinical context and presenting symptoms. Always consult a healthcare professional for an accurate assessment and diagnosis.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Using a cloth mask? Keep these in mind, of course.

Image
  If you are using a cloth mask, you should know some advice. What to do with a cloth mask? The answer is here. Hands should be washed well before touching the mask. You need to check if the mask is dirty or if there are any holes somewhere. After wearing the mask, there should b,e no space on either side of the face. The face, nose, and chin will be completely covered by the mask. It is better not to touch the mask frequently. Hands should be washed well before opening the mask. The mask should be opened by holding a bracket over the ear or behind the head. The mask should be removed from the face as soon as it is opened. If the mask is not wet, if not dirty, it can be reused after opening in a clean plastic bag or recyclable bag. The mask should be removed from the bag by holding the brackets while washing. The mask can be washed with soap or detergent. It is better to wash with soap in hot water at least once a day. Hands should be washed well even after opening the mask.
Read more

‘Oxygen concentrator’ - A life-saving device.

Image
If there is no oxygen cylinder then There is an ‘oxygen concentrator’. It can save a life in a critical moment. When a covid or other patient faces difficulty with breathing, this device will help him to concentrate oxygen.  What is an oxygen concentrator Oxygen concentrator collects oxygen from the environment. It gives oxygen to the patient through a tube. If an oxygen cylinder is not available, it can meet a lot of its needs oxygen.  How does an oxygen concentrator work? It has some procedures to work. Before using it, you should know some of them. The regulator can be increased or decreased as per the need of the patient. Oxygen is stored inside the device. It takes air from the atmosphere, sifts it, and takes out oxygen. Where to get an oxygen concentrator. Available online. However, you should consult a doctor before buying. He can also tell where to find it. Now it is available in online stores.  Price of the oxygen concentrator. Usually, an oxygen concentrator's p...
Read more

Is covid is an airborne disease?

Image
The previous research says the Corona virus usually spread through respiratory droplets. But in this time the COVID19 virus chronologically changes its strain and gains new abilities. Recently some scientists said that now coronavirus has the ability to spread through the air.  Some arguments in favor that Covid is an airborne disease. In the case of super-spreader incidents, human behavior, the extent to which it has occurred, the ventilation system of the house, have all been investigated. There is not enough evidence to support the spread of the virus through clear respiratory droplets or droplets. A man who was in the next room did not face the infected person, he was also infected with corona. 33 to 59% of the victims are asymptomatic. What is spreading in that case? Is it an airborne disease? More infections are happening inside the house than outside. Hospital workers are still being attacked after being protected by PPE. The virus was found in the air filter of Covid Hospit...
Read more