Chest volume in men and women: how to measure it correctly

An indicator such as chest volume is clinically significant in the diagnosis of many diseases. It is measured monthly in children under one year old. However, deviations from the normal chest volume are often found in adults. In the presence of a smaller or greater indicator, it is customary to talk about the development of a pathological process in the body. Below is information on how to correctly measure the volume of the chest and what deviations from the norm indicate.

Normal rates for women

For women, this value directly depends on the thickness of the fat layer and the type of physique.

It is customary to distinguish 3 types of chest:

• Normostenic. It is characterized by proportionality, supra- and subclavian zones are expressed, but in moderation. The shoulder blades are pretty close to the chest, and the epigastric angle is almost straight.
• Asthenic. It is flat, it is characterized by subsidence of the supra- and subclavian zones. The shoulder blades are located at some distance from the chest, and the epigastric angle is much less than 90 ^° C. Women with the asthenic type visually look elongated and thin.
• Hypersthenic. Such a chest is very convex, it looks round, wide and shortened. The supra- and subclavian zones are extremely weak, and the index of the epigastric site is more than 90 ° C.

In women, the chest volume ceases to increase at about 18-20 years old. The average indicator for adults is 82 cm. It can be slightly increased or decreased. In this case, it is necessary to measure the height of the woman. After that it needs to be divided equally. This is a normal indicator of chest volume.

Values ​​in men

During the study, doctors are guided by anthropometric standards. These are the average values ​​characteristic of a larger number of males. In addition, specialists during the diagnosis take into account the constitutional type.

In men, physique can also be asthenic, normosthenic, and hypersthenic. It is also taken into account when evaluating the proportionality and harmony of forms.

The average chest volume in men is 87 cm. Again, individual indicators play a large role. To determine the norm in a particular person, it is necessary to measure his height and divide in half the obtained value. It should also be equal to half the length of the body.

Normal performance in children

In babies, indicators of chest and head volume are clinically significant. Since the body is constantly growing, these values ​​also change. Norm indicators are presented in the table below.

Knowing the volume of the chest in children, it is possible to timely identify various pathologies at an early stage of their development.

How to properly measure chest volume

For the indicator to be accurate and informative, you must follow the algorithm.

Measurement of chest volume in adults is as follows:

1. Prepare a centimeter tape. Check that all divisions on it are clearly visible. This will avoid getting an unreliable result.
2. Take a standing position. It is important to know that the measurement should be carried out only at rest.
3. A centimeter tape must be applied to the body behind strictly under the shoulder blades. In front, it should be located at the level of the fourth rib. In men, this area is located just below the nipples. In women, the tape in front can be applied above the base of the chest or directly below it.
4. Check that the product fits snugly against the body. But at the same time, the centimeter tape should not be stretched.
5. Commit the result. If necessary, measure growth and check whether the volume of the chest corresponds to it.

How to measure the indicator in children? The baby must be laid on her back, older children should be in a standing position. The centimeter tape at the back must be placed under the shoulder blades, in front - at the level of the nipples. Commit the result. The child should be calm during the measurement.

Chest excursion

This indicator is also clinically significant. How to measure:

1. The patient stands facing the doctor and spreads his arms to the sides.
2. The subject takes a deep breath. Then he holds his breath. At this time, the doctor measures the volume of the chest during inspiration.
3. After that, the patient exhales and holds his breath again. The doctor performs a second measurement.
4. The specialist calculates the difference between the two indicators. This is a chest tour.

There are no clear criteria for the norm. The indicator directly depends on individual characteristics, such as gender, age and physique. On average, a chest excursion ranges from 1-3 cm. With a significant difference, it is customary to talk about the presence of pathology. Most often, atelectasis or pulmonary fibrosis, fluid accumulation, pleurisy, pneumothorax, emphysema are diagnosed.

Volume increase or decrease in adults

With a significant deviation of the indicator from the norm, it is customary to talk about pathology to a large extent. As a rule, an increase in the volume of the chest is accompanied by its deformation.

If disturbing signs occur, consult a doctor. The specialist will conduct diagnostic measures and draw up the most effective treatment regimen.

The main reason for the increase in chest volume is the pathology of the respiratory system. To make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor prescribes a comprehensive diagnosis. It includes a clinical blood test, x-ray, CT, MRI. Based on the results, the doctor draws up a therapy regimen or evaluates the feasibility of surgery.

Volume reduction is extremely rare. As a rule, in this case, respiratory pathologies are congenital in nature and are diagnosed shortly after the birth of the child.

Increase or decrease in volume in children

Babies are measured immediately after birth and before discharge from the hospital. Before the child reaches the age of 12 months, parents need to show him to the pediatrician every month.

A change in the volume of the chest up or down can be:

1. Acquired. In this case, the bone structures are deformed due to the fault of the parents. The volume indicator changes when the baby is constantly laid on the same side, they try to teach him how to sit early, and also put a pillow under his head (up to 2 years, the child does not need it). Another cause is rickets. The chest is deformed and reduced in volume.
2. Congenital. In this case, a too small or large volume of the chest is due to hereditary factors or pathologies that arose during the period of intrauterine development.

Most often, the cause of the changes is rickets or pathology of the respiratory organs. In a child up to 12 months, all diseases are detected in a timely manner. If alarming symptoms appear at a later age, immediate medical advice is required. It is important to understand that against the background of a change in the volume of the chest, not only the respiratory system, but also the heart suffers. In some cases, surgical intervention is indicated.

Treatment

The treatment regimen directly depends on the root cause that caused the change in chest volume in adults and children.

For example, with emphysema, inhalation and inhalation of bronchodilators is indicated (Salbutamol, Theophylline). In addition, doctors prescribe glucocorticosteroids (Prednisolone). As a rule, in the presence of this disease, lifelong therapy is required. To stop the symptoms of pathology, oxygen therapy is prescribed. If necessary, an operation to reduce the volume of the lungs is performed - a thoracoscopic bullectomy.

Another reason for changing the volume of the chest is pneumothorax. Pathology requires immediate surgical intervention. During it, the doctor draws air from the pleural cavity.

Thus, an increase or decrease in chest volume is a symptom, not an independent disease. The choice of treatment regimen is carried out depending on the root cause.

Finally

Chest volume is a clinically significant indicator in the diagnosis of various pathologies. Without fail, it must be measured in children, but if there are suspicions of the development of the disease, the doctor conducts a study in adults as well. If the indicator deviates from the norm up or down, it is customary to talk about the presence of diseases of the respiratory system. Treatment directly depends on the root cause. It can be either conservative or operational.