hengityselvitys

Hengityselvitys, also known as respiratory assessment, is a systematic evaluation of a person's breathing and respiratory system. It is a crucial part of a comprehensive medical examination, especially for individuals experiencing respiratory symptoms or those with known respiratory conditions. The process involves several components.

The assessment typically begins with observation, where the healthcare professional notes the patient's breathing pattern, rate, and effort. They observe for any signs of distress, such as the use of accessory muscles for breathing, nasal flaring, or pursed-lip breathing. Auscultation, listening to breath sounds with a stethoscope, is another key element. This allows for the detection of abnormal breath sounds like wheezing, crackles, or diminished breath sounds, which can indicate various underlying issues.

Palpation, the feeling of the chest wall, can help assess for tenderness, masses, or vibrations that might be related to respiratory problems. Percussion, tapping on the chest, produces different sounds depending on the underlying lung tissue; for example, a dull sound might suggest fluid or consolidation, while hyperresonance could indicate air trapping.

Gathering a thorough medical history related to respiratory symptoms is also vital. This includes questions about cough, sputum production, shortness of breath, chest pain, and any history of smoking or exposure to respiratory irritants. Based on the findings from these steps, further investigations like pulmonary function tests, chest X-rays, or blood gas analysis may be ordered to confirm a diagnosis and guide treatment.