Thorax
-
Review of the history of auscultation of the lung reveals few scientific investigations. The majority of these have led to inconclusive results. The mechanism of production of normal breath sounds remains uncertain. ⋯ Lung sounds are complex signals that probably reflect regional lung pathophysiology. If they were understood more clearly important non-invasive diagnostic tools could be devised and the value of clinical auscultation could be improved. A multidisciplinary effort will be required to achieve this.