What is the method of auscultation used for?

The method of auscultation is a method of diagnosis, in which a subjective evaluation of sounds reproduced by organs occurs.

This technique was used even in the time of Hippocrates. We have reached his description of some types of acoustic features of noise of friction of the pleura, wet wheezing in the lungs. But more effective auscultation was at the time when the first device was invented, which helped to strengthen the sound - a stethoscope. A real breakthrough was the use of a phonendoscope, which better conducts the sound and is more convenient to carry with you. Now the stethophonendoscope has become an indispensable attribute and even a symbol of the doctor.

Auscultation is still an important method of research, since it does not require long preparation of the patient, various manipulations( pain relief, relaxation) and can be carried out practically in any room, requiring only observance of some simple conditions and rules.

Distinguish direct( direct) and indirect( indirect) auscultation. The direct method of listening is the absence of the use of special devices, indirect auscultation is carried out with a stethoscope or a phonendoscope.

There are certain rules that need to be adhered to when performing auscultation:

• The room for carrying out this kind of research should be warm, because when the patient's body is exposed, a cold reaction can create tension in the muscles and jitter that will prevent you from getting the right picture.
• It is necessary to observe the greatest possible silence, so that extraneous sounds are not distracted from the analysis of noise effects.
• Additional interference can create a scalp patient, so those areas on the body that are covered with hair, it is recommended to spread a soapy solution. Sometimes in the intensive care units( most often in cardiology), standard listening and electrodes are prepared at ECG with usual shaving.
• Unwanted noise and additional sounds can cause clothing that is on the patient. Therefore, the investigated part of the body must be exposed.
• It is recommended for different types of auscultation to be located near the patient in a certain way, the most convenient for listening.
• The stethoscope is applied to the right place evenly, fairly tightly, but without excessive pressure.
• If a solid stethoscope is used, you should not hold it with your hands when listening, as this leads to conduction disturbances and creates extraneous sounds.
• The acoustic system must be monolithic. Therefore, during the examination procedure, the doctor should grasp the patient with a free hand.
• It should be so that the patient does not feel uncomfortable, do not cause unpleasant sensations with excessive pressure used by the device.
• It is not a secret for a good specialist that for the purpose of examination it is necessary to have your own stethoscope or phonendoscope, as each device has its own conductivity features and character of sound.
• If it is necessary to investigate the pulmonary system, the patient should be asked to breathe smoothly, if necessary, to hold his breath for a short period of time, or to take deep breaths and exhalations.
• For an ideal analysis of the received sounds, you should completely disregard possible stimuli. This is achieved if you close your eyes while listening, and cover your free ear with your finger.

Already at the very beginning of training for a doctor, a person should be able to follow the rules of auscultatory patient research and listen to as many patients as possible in order to gain the necessary experience and skills.

It should be said that not all organs are characterized by the publication of spontaneous sounds. The most audible are the organs of the circulatory system, respiration, digestion.

Blood circulation forms sounds as a result of contraction of the heart and blood flow through large vessels. Breathing movements give a certain sound in the lungs. The digestive system allows you to listen to the noise irregularly, which happens when strengthening the peristaltic movements of the intestine, excess gas content or liquid contents. Sometimes during auscultation, the swallowing movement of the esophagus is heard.

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