CHAPTEE V. 



DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. 



METHODS OF PHYSICAL EXAMINATION, 

 AND THE SIGNS AFFORDED BY THEM, 



The various methods of physical examination of the 

 respiratory organs are : 



INSPECTION.— When we inspect or look at the chest, 

 we have two sets of facts to observe — 



Firstly, the shape or form of the chest ; 



Secondly, the number and the character of the move- 

 ments of the chest during respiration. 



When the respirations are increased in range above the 

 normal, they are said to be exaggerated, as, for example, in 

 certain febrile affections ; when decreased below the normal, 

 they are said to be deficient or impaired, as, for instance, 

 in certain diseases of the brain. 



When the movements are deficient, less air enters the 

 lungs than is necessary, and dyspnoeaj or shortness of breath, 

 will result. 



Dyspnoea may result from two opposite conditions ; the 

 lungs may either be prevented from expanding or from con- 

 tracting as much as in the normal condition. The former 

 is termed 'defective inspiration' or * deficient expansion,' 

 and the dyspncea is said to be * inspiratory ;' the latter is 

 termed ' deficient expiration,' and the dyspnoea is called 



