Overview of the Respiratory System and Its Examination

Lobes of the lung

Right lung has 3 lobes; left lung has 2.

Right lung lobes

Superior, middle, inferior lobes present.

Left lung lobes

Superior and inferior lobes only.

Trachea bifurcation

Occurs at sternal angle and T4 spinous process.

Diaphragm

Primary muscle for inspiration during breathing.

Accessory muscles

Include intercostals and scalenes for breathing.

Inspiration

Active process of drawing air into lungs.

Expiration

Passive process of expelling air from lungs.

Dyspnea

Common complaint; not painful; relates to activity.

Wheezing

Indicates partial airway obstruction from various causes.

Cough

Common symptom triggered by various stimuli.

Haemoptysis

Coughing up blood; differentiate from hematemesis.

Sputum characteristics

Volume, color, odor, consistency indicate lung health.

Chronic bronchitis

Long-term inflammation of bronchi; causes cough.

Cystic fibrosis

Genetic disorder affecting mucus production in lungs.

Emphysema

Destruction of alveoli; leads to breathing difficulty.

Pneumothorax

Air in pleural space; causes lung collapse.

Asthma

Chronic condition causing airway inflammation and narrowing.

Percussion notes

Resonant, hyper-resonant, dull, tympany indicate lung condition.

Auscultation

Listening to lung sounds for airflow assessment.

Breath sounds

Tracheal, bronchial, broncho-vesicular, vesicular classifications.

Adventitious sounds

Includes crackles, wheezes, rhonchi, stridor, pleural rub.

Transmitted voice sounds

Abnormal sounds indicating lung consolidation.

Walk test

Screens cardiovascular and pulmonary function.

Forced expiratory time

Assessment of breathing phases; longer than 6 seconds indicates COPD.

Chest compression test

Identifies fractured ribs through localized pain.

Special investigations

Include imaging tests, lung function tests, and biopsies.

Pulmonologist referral

For specialized respiratory care and management.

Smoking effects

Leads to COPD, lung cancer; focus on cessation.

Cyanosis

Bluish skin indicating low oxygen levels.

Clubbing

Enlargement of fingertips; associated with lung disease.