[Auscultation of the lungs--still a useful examination?].
Auscultation of the lungs has been a central element in clinical examination since the early part of the nineteenth century. However, the role of the stethoscope in our diagnostic work-up has more and more been challenged by newer diagnostic equipment. Research carried out over the last 30 years has given us new knowledge about the physical basis of lung sounds and the meaning of the sounds. Electronic stethoscopes and computer-based analysis of digital lung sounds are now available. Lungs auscultation findings should be interpreted with caution and be related to the case history and other clinical findings.
Institutt for Samfunnsmedisin Universitetet i Tromsø 9037 Tromsø. hasse.melbye@ism.uit.no
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D001314:Auscultation / Q000266:history / Q000379:methods; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000502:physiology; D012135:Respiratory Sounds / Q000175:diagnosis*; D019023:Stethoscopes / Q000266:history