What are the auscultation sites for lung examination in newborns?
May 14, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ma Yan
Introduction
Lung auscultation in newborns is an essential part of the neonatal physical examination, primarily divided into back auscultation and anterior chest auscultation. This simple and effective diagnostic method involves assessing the newborn's breathing patterns to detect respiratory and pulmonary disorders at an early stage, facilitating timely treatment.
Listening to a newborn's lungs is an essential part of the neonatal physical examination and mainly consists of two parts: back auscultation and anterior chest auscultation. The details are as follows:
1. Back Auscultation
Back auscultation is the most commonly used method. The doctor usually asks the parent to hold the baby upright or lay the baby flat on the examination table, then uses a stethoscope to listen sequentially on both sides of the back. Since the lung areas in the back are located between the two shoulder blades, the doctor listens in this region to detect normal breath sounds.
2. Anterior Chest Auscultation
Anterior chest auscultation is primarily used to assess breathing in the upper and front portions of the infant's lungs. The doctor will have the baby lie down or sit, then use the stethoscope to listen along both sides of the sternum. Normally, the doctor should hear clear breath sounds from the lungs.
Lung auscultation is a simple yet effective diagnostic method. By evaluating the newborn's respiratory patterns, it enables early detection of respiratory and pulmonary diseases, facilitating timely treatment.
