Normal Bilateral Resonance
A loud, low-pitched, hollow sound heard equally on both sides of the chest, indicating that while the large airways are inflamed, the deeper lung tissue remains filled with air, not fluid.
Description
The clinician places one finger flat against the patient's chest or back and strikes it sharply with a finger from the other hand. Invented by Leopold Auenbrugger in the 18th century, the resulting sound waves help determine if the lung tissue is clear, fluid-filled, or hyperinflated. It helps confirm that the lungs are relatively clear of pneumonia, pointing instead to airway inflammation.