THE LUNGS 



199 



Sighing is a deep inspiration followed by a sudden relaxation of the 

 muscles so that the escaping air makes a sound. 



Choking is a sudden stoppage of the larynx or trachea. When a 

 person is choked, he should lie down upon his face with his head 

 lowest. Slapping his back will aid in jarring the substance loose, 

 .f this does not dislodge it, he should be hung head downwards while 

 his back is pounded vigorously. In that position the substance may 

 fall out, while if he sits upright, it may fall in deeper unless it is coughed 

 out. 



Suffocation, or smothering, is a cessation of breathing caused by 

 shutting off the air either partly or wholly. 



Sucking is an inspiratory act, done by depressing the floor of the 

 mouth so as to form an empty space into which anything held between 

 the lips is forced by the pressure of the air. 



Spittings an expiratory act in which the lips are blown open with 

 an explosive noise. 



346. Breathing sounds. In natural breathing, air rush- 

 ing in and out of the lungs produces a low, blowing sound, 

 distinct .from the sound made by the breathing in the nose 

 and throat. The sound of the voice, when transmitted 

 through the chest, has a characteristic quality and pro- 

 duces a vibration of the chest walls. When the chest is 

 struck with the finger, the sound is modified by the reso- 

 nant quality of the lungs. All these sounds are changed 

 in lung diseases, and give a sure indication of the nature 

 and extent of the disease. 



347. Abdominal and thoracic breathing. When the dia 

 phragm contracts, it forces the abdominal organs down- 

 ward, making the abdomen more prominent. Breathing 

 by the free use of the diaphragm is called abdominal 

 breathing. When the diaphragm remains comparatively 

 quiet, the ribs are compelled to move more freely. Breath- 

 ing mainly by use of the ribs is called thoracic breathing. 

 In men abdominal breathing is greatest, while in women 

 thoracic breathing seems more prominent. 



