Valsalva maneuver
Valsalva Maneuver
The Valsalva maneuver (pronounced: val-SAL-vuh muh-NOO-ver) is a specific breathing technique that is often used in medicine to assess the function of a person's heart and lungs.
Etymology
The term "Valsalva maneuver" is named after the 17th-century Italian anatomist Antonio Maria Valsalva, who first described the technique.
Definition
The Valsalva maneuver involves forcefully exhaling against a closed airway. This can be achieved by closing the mouth, pinching the nose shut, and attempting to breathe out as if blowing up a balloon.
Use in Medicine
In medicine, the Valsalva maneuver is used to evaluate the condition of the heart and the functioning of the autonomic nervous system. It can also be used to clear the ears in cases of barotrauma and to halt certain types of supraventricular tachycardia.
Related Terms
- Barotrauma: Injury caused by changes in atmospheric pressure, often affecting the ear or lung.
- Supraventricular tachycardia: A rapid heart rhythm originating at or above the atrioventricular node.
- Autonomic nervous system: The part of the nervous system responsible for control of the bodily functions not consciously directed, such as breathing, the heartbeat, and digestive processes.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Valsalva maneuver
- Wikipedia's article - Valsalva maneuver
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