Monitoring the state of the human airways by analysis of respiratory soundA mechanism whereby sound is generated by the motion of vortices in the human lung is described. This mechanism is believed to be responsible for most of the sound which is generated both on inspiration and expiration in normal lungs. Mathematical expressions for the frequencies of sound generated, which depend only upon the axial flow velocity and diameters of the bronchi, are derived. This theory allows the location within the bronchial tree from which particular sounds emanate to be determined. Redistribution of pulmonary blood volume following transition from earth gravity to the weightless state probably alters the caliber of certain airways and doubtless alters sound transmission properties of the lung. We believe that these changes can be monitored effectively and non-invasively by spectral analysis of pulmonary sound.
Document ID
19790027214
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Hardin, J. C. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, Va., United States)
Patterson, J. L., Jr. (Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Va., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1978
Subject Category
Aerospace Medicine
Report/Patent Number
IAF PAPER 78-66
Meeting Information
Meeting: International Astronautical Federation, International Astronautical Congress