What is a common physical examination finding in patients with pneumonia?

In patients with pneumonia, increased tactile fremitus is a common physical examination finding. Tactile fremitus refers to the vibrations felt on the chest wall when a patient speaks. In the presence of pneumonia, particularly when there is lung consolidation due to infection, these vibrations are transmitted more effectively through lung tissue that is solid or inflamed.

The increase in tactile fremitus occurs because the denser lung tissue (consolidated area) transmits sound vibrations more efficiently than normal air-filled lung spaces. Therefore, when a practitioner assesses a patient with pneumonia and places their hands on the patient’s back or chest while the patient says a certain phrase, they will often feel heightened vibrations in the affected areas. This physical sign assists healthcare providers in diagnosing pneumonia and distinguishing it from other respiratory conditions.

Other findings associated with pneumonia may include decreased breath sounds or crackles on auscultation, but the hallmark of increased tactile fremitus is particularly indicative in clinical practice of lung consolidation due to pneumonia.