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Laënnec invented the most common symbol of medicine: the stethoscope 1.
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Only in resource limited settings, with a high prevalence of disease and in experienced hands, lung auscultation has still a role. When better diagnostic modalities are available, they should replace lung auscultation. Lung auscultation has a low sensitivity in different clinical settings and patient populations, thereby hampering its clinical utility. Results are limited by significant heterogeneity. Abnormal breath sounds are highly specific for (hemato)pneumothorax in patients with trauma. LRs and AUC of auscultation for congestive heart failure, pneumonia and obstructive lung diseases are low, LR− and specificity are acceptable. For 34 studies the overall pooled sensitivity for lung auscultation is 37% and specificity 89%. A meta-regression analysis is performed to reduce observed heterogeneity. Main outcomes are pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity with 95% confidence intervals, likelihood ratios (LRs), area under the curve (AUC) of lung auscultation for different pulmonary pathologies and breath sounds. Studies concerning adult patients with respiratory symptoms are included. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of lung auscultation for the most common respiratory pathologies. However, there is much debate about the diagnostic accuracy of this instrument. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.The stethoscope is used as first line diagnostic tool in assessment of patients with pulmonary symptoms. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. Links to other sites are provided for information only – they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy editorial process and privacy policy. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. is accredited by URAC, for Health Content Provider (URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. Wheezing and other abnormal sounds can sometimes be heard without a stethoscope.Ī.D.A.M., Inc. They are most often heard when a person breathes out (exhales). High-pitched sounds produced by narrowed airways. Usually it is due to a blockage of airflow in the windpipe (trachea) or in the back of the throat. Wheeze-like sound heard when a person breathes. They occur when air is blocked or air flow becomes rough through the large airways. Rales can be further described as moist, dry, fine, and coarse. They are believed to occur when air opens closed air spaces. They are heard when a person breathes in (inhales). Small clicking, bubbling, or rattling sounds in the lungs. There are several types of abnormal breath sounds. Over-inflation of a part of the lungs ( emphysema can cause this).Air or fluid in or around the lungs (such as pneumonia, heart failure, and pleural effusion).Using a stethoscope, the health care provider may hear normal breathing sounds, decreased or absent breath sounds, and abnormal breath sounds. Normal lung sounds occur in all parts of the chest area, including above the collarbones and at the bottom of the rib cage. The lung sounds are best heard with a stethoscope.