Summary – Respiratory System

Respiratory disorders are common in most healthcare settings. This chapter has reviewed the basic anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system and outlined basic to advanced respiratory assessment techniques.

Common respiratory complaints such as cough and dyspnea can be vague, with aetiologies both within and outside the respiratory system. Additionally, symptoms can be acute or chronic and affect all ages.

Chief complaints of cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and pleuritic pain are common presenting concerns for many patients accessing primary care services. Symptom analysis, subjective data collection from the patient along with a focused physical assessment, will provide the information needed to accurately diagnose respiratory symptoms and conditions.