Increased Vocal Fremitus

MANUAL OF CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS

Increased vocal fremitus refers to an enhancement in the vocal vibrations felt through the chest wall when the patient speaks.

This condition suggests an increased density of the underlying lung tissue, facilitating the transmission of vibrations. The most common cause is pulmonary consolidation, where the alveolar spaces are filled with fluid, cells, or solid material, thereby increasing the density of the lung tissue.

Pathology	Clinical Symptoms and Signs	Suspected Diagnosis	Confirmatory Diagnosis
Extensive Pulmonary Consolidation	Dyspnoea, productive cough, fever, crackling sounds, increased vocal fremitus	Medical history, physical examination, increased vocal fremitus	Chest X-ray, chest computed tomography (CT)