An examination of the respiratory system begins with paying close attention to chest symmetry, movement and the degree of expansion. The doctor will note the rate and nature of breathing, whether it sounds smooth and easy, deep and labored or short and painful. Listening to the chest also proves a valuable indicator of lung health. The state of the surrounding lung tissue often determines the sounds heard through a stethoscope. Examinations of this type can often bring to light early signs of impending lung disease.
Difficulty Breathing
Normal breathing is steady and rhythmic. Everyone feels breathless from time to time, but this should not occur during normal rest or after a simple walk or minimal exercise. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that "the hallmark symptom of COPD is shortness of breath." Early signs of lung disease, as well as heart disease, can cause difficulty breathing, as well as disorders of the nervous system and anemia. Nevertheless, regardless of the cause, frequent breathlessness with minimal exertion often indicates an early sign of a problem that requires investigation.
Chest Pain
The most common cause of chest pain caused by lung disease is pleurisy -- inflammation of the pleura, the membrane that surrounds the lungs. According to MayoClinic.com, the flu, pneumonia, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis, chest trauma, post heart surgery, rib fracture and a pulmonary embolism can cause pleurisy. In some instances, pleurisy cannot be traced to a specific cause. The pain will come on gradually or start abruptly and become worse when simply moving, coughing or when taking a deep breath.
Chronic Coughing
Coughing is the body's normal reaction to irritation of the mucous membranes lining the airway. Occasional coughing is normal as the body tries to rid itself of inhaled foreign particles. The Cleveland Clinic states that chronic coughing is not normal and usually signals an infection or early stages of lung disease. A dry cough can signal acute bronchitis or pneumonia or an acute asthma attach. A productive cough produces mucus. Coughing up green, yellow, brown or black mucus is a clear indication that medical intervention is necessary. Frequently coughing up bloodstained or pink frothy mucus can signal a serious underlying disease such as pulmonary edema. This disease causes a buildup of fluid in the lung tissue, usually caused by heart failure.
Abnormal Breath Sounds
Normal breath sounds over the chest area are gentle rustling noises heard through a stethoscope. The sound becomes loudest when inhaling and fades upon exhaling. Persistent abnormal breath sounds often indicate a potential lung disorder or disease. Diminished breath sounds can occur with emphysema. Crackles can be heard when the air sacs become filled with fluid instead of air and often occurs with bronchitis, emphysema or pulmonary fibrosis. Rattles, also called rhonchi can be a variable pitch sound heard when the airway narrows due to a buildup of mucus, fluid or swelling and inflammation. According to the American Lung Association, any one of these abnormal breath sounds could indicate signs of a lung disorder or lung disease.
