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Paradoxical breathing
System: Chest & Breathing Signs · All chest & breathing signs
What it is — and how it is elicited
After chest injury, a segment of the chest wall moves inward on breathing in and outward on breathing out — the opposite of normal (flail segment).
What a positive finding suggests
Associated with a flail chest from multiple rib fractures.
Related signs — Chest & Breathing Signs
Browse the P section of the A–Z list or return to the Clinical Signs hub.
Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.