Lung Sounds?

[ems-buff 81]

Ok i'm trying to understand what i'm listen for when i listen to lung sounds. I mean when i listen to the L/S in my assasment i sometimes heard weezeing but most of the time they sound clear( like a ballon being blown up) but what about other stuff such as rails or wet crackles. What do they sound like? can some one give me an idea of what this L/S sounds like and maybe give me some others sounds i should look for. I'm only asking this to further my education as an EMT. And i'm glad to said that if i don't understand something that i will ask for help with it.

any and all help will be greatly appreciated

[Guest]

Here's a website I think will help you out-

http://sprojects.mmip.mcgill.ca/MVS/MVSTETH.HTM

Its a Virtual Stethescope- you can play different respirations with RealPlayer. If it doesn't work, just holler.

- Aimee

[Guest WolfEMT]

That's one of the best damn websites I've seen. Very helpful...

[WAS967 97]

Things like lung and heart sounds can't be taught through words or diagrams. You need to experience the sounds first hand for them to really sink in. For lung sounds I HIGLY suggest hooking up with an RT at a local hospital and following them on rounds. A good teaching RT will listen with you and tell you what it is you are hearing. Heart sounds, while not as important to know as lung sounds, are beneficial to learn but good cases of cardiac murmur, tamponade, etc can be hard to come by in slower ERs. I have not checked the site above yet, but the feedback seems favorable. A good tool that I purchased recently is Fundamentals of Lung and Heart Sounds, Third Edition (Book & CD-ROM) and goes over more sounds than you will probably ever need to know. Heart and Lung Sounds For The EMS Provider (CD-ROM) might be a little more affordable and is geared toward pre-hospital personnel.

A good stethescope is also a HUGE help. Stay away from 8 dollar scopes if you want good clear chest sounds.

[mikeinet 37]

Great web site aimee!!

[WAS967 97]

God I loath RealPlayer. This may prove useful as well.

[ems-buff 81]

Thank you guys very much for all your help. Also special thanks to aimee, WAS, AND WOLF THANK YOU GUYS FOR THE WEBSITES

[Guest WolfEMT]

Actually, that was aimee who posted the website..

[Guest]

Glad it was helpful! I also totally agree with WAS- there is no substitute for the real thing! My first semester I bugged everyone around me, healthy or not, for a listen. A decent scope is also a must! (You don't have to break the bank though) "Test drive" a couple models first.

Have fun listening!

-a

[ems-buff 81]

No! Every chance i get on a call or back in HQ. I always ask if i can take a listen to the lung sounds, and i always listen to them in my assessment, and if it's an ALS call, and the medic can spare a minute to let me listen i try to remember what they sounds sound like.

(ALSO as a side note i got my self a littmann Lightweight II SE from GALLS)

[Guest alsfirefighter]

Just remember that all that wheezes is not asthma. You must take into consideration past medical history as well. There are times where pulmonary edema will not indicate itself with rales, but with wheezing.

I would have went to stethoscope.com but enjoy your new scope.

[Guest]

I found good prices on stethoscopes at http://www.allheart.com/littmannstethoscopes.html

[Guest NYTruckie]

Just remember that all that wheezes is not asthma.  You must take into consideration past medical history as well. There are times where pulmonary edema will not indicate itself with rales, but with wheezing.

I would have went to stethoscope.com but enjoy your new scope.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I was taught that is “Cardiac Asthma†but most EMS personal now never heard of cardiac asthma.