No accessory muscle use

What does "No accessory muscle use" mean in a report or doctor's letter? In our medical dictionary, you will find a patient-friendly explanation of the meaning of this medical term.

Explanation

"No accessory muscle use" is a term used in medicine to describe a person's breathing. Normally, we use certain muscles in our chest to breathe. However, when someone is having difficulty breathing, they might use additional muscles in their neck, shoulders, or abdomen to help. If a doctor notes "no accessory muscle use," it means the person is breathing normally, using only the usual muscles.

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