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A member asked:
Why does the doctor tap on your chest during an exam? what exactly is he looking for?
5 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Percussion: There is a certain sound comes with tapping on a normal chest. It sounds almost like a drum. When the sound is dull to percussion we suspect problems like fluid around the lung and possible pneumonia (if a patient has symptoms). It is a helpful part of the physical exam of the lungs.
Answered 6/28/2019
6.3k views
Aeration: The method of tapping on the chest is called percussion. It is done to different parts of the body. On the chest, the doctor is making sure the lungs are filled with air and not fluid or infection.
Answered 8/7/2017
6.1k views
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