What will percussion feel like over lungs with excess fluid, such as in pleural effusion?

When performing percussion over lungs affected by excess fluid, such as in the case of pleural effusion, the sound produced will typically transition from resonance to dullness. This occurs because resonance is the normal sound associated with healthy lung tissue, which is filled with air.

In contrast, pleural effusion leads to the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, which dampens the sound waves that are normally transmitted through air-filled lung tissue. As a result, this area exhibits dullness during percussion, indicating that it is no longer aerated but rather filled with fluid. The dullness is a significant sign, differentiating fluid from air or other solid structures, and points towards conditions like pleural effusion. The transition from resonance to dullness effectively captures this pathological change in lung condition.

Understanding these percussion notes is essential in clinical assessment, aiding healthcare providers in diagnosing various respiratory conditions.