Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur automatischen Erfassung auffaelliger Atemgeraeusche

The process according to the invention permits a continuous and stress-free recording of distinctive breathing noises of a test person under normal life conditions over a period of several hours or days. The breathing noises are detected, processed and analyzed in real time. From the detected frequency range, the analysis only accounts for previously determined characteristic frequencies at whose position within the frequency spectrum of the breathing noise of the test person a distinctive breathing noise is detected by a significant feature. The data detected at these frequency positions are compared with data determined for each test subject for fulfillment of specific criteria for the occurrence of a distinctive breathing noise, and the result of the comparison is supplied as a signal. The resulting significant reduction in data permits the miniaturization of the corresponding device which can then be carried by the test person for a long period of time without restricting freedom o f movement. The process is suitable in particular for the automatic monitoring of the respiratory passages of persons suffering or at risk from bronchitis or asthma over long periods of time.