Some Physical Signs in Patients with Chronic Airflow Obstruction1,2

Forty subjects with chronic airflow obstruction were examined independently by 2 observers, and their assessment of several physical signs was recorded. Spirometry and lung volumes were measured. Most of the signs studied correlated closely with the degree of airflow obstruction as assessed by the forced expiratory volume in one second. Certain signs also correlated closely with the degree of hyperinflation, the duration of symptoms, or the age …