Clinical History and Physical Examination of the Respiratory System

Respiratory disease diagnoses are based on a comprehensive clinical history and a completed physical examination. The anamnesis primarily focuses on the chief complaint that is pertinent to the clinical situation but also must include the past medical history, social history, family history, and a review of systems. All information gathered together must be obtained in a logical and complete sequence. Good communication between the patient and the physician is central to obtaining a full interview. Respiratory physical examination is performed as part of a complete physical examination, but a complete physical is frequently needed to understand the whole clinical picture. In this chapter we review specific anamneses and physical pearls applied to pediatric respiratory disease.