Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Bronchophony

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Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

With the stethoscope, listen over the chest wall while the patient repeatedly says a word such as "ninety-nine," comparing symmetric areas from side to side. Normally the spoken voice is heard as a muffled, indistinct sound. Bronchophony is present when the spoken words are heard louder and more distinctly than normal over a region of the chest.

How to Interpret

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References

  • Bickley LS, Szilagyi PG, Hoffman RM, Soriano RP. Bates' Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2021.
  • Swartz MH. Textbook of Physical Diagnosis: History and Examination. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025.

Related Systems / Regions

RespiratoryThorax

Related Bedside Tests

🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Egophony
Rule in:HLobar Pneumonia or Consolidation, IEAtelectasis with Patent Airway, IEPleural Effusion (Above the Effusion)
Rule out:IEAtelectasis with Patent Airway, IEPleural Effusion (Above the Effusion)
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Lung Auscultation
Rule in:VHPneumothorax, HMainstem Bronchus Intubation, HPleural Effusion +24 more
Rule out:VHPleural Effusion, SHMainstem Bronchus Intubation, SHPneumothorax +23 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Chest Percussion
Rule in:HLarge Pleural Effusion, HPleural Effusion, SHLobar Pneumonia or Consolidation +10 more
Rule out:IEAtelectasis, IEBullous Emphysema, IECOPD with Hyperinflation +8 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Tactile Fremitus
aka Vocal fremitus
Rule in:HPleural Effusion, IEAtelectasis with Airway Obstruction, IECOPD with Hyperinflation +3 more
Rule out:SHPleural Effusion, IEAtelectasis with Airway Obstruction, IECOPD with Hyperinflation +3 more
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Whispered Pectoriloquy
Rule in:IELobar Pneumonia or Pulmonary Consolidation
Rule out:IELobar Pneumonia or Pulmonary Consolidation
🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Oxygen Saturation
aka Pulse oximetry
Rule in:SHPneumonia, IEChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Exacerbation, IEHeart Failure +5 more
Rule out:IEChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Exacerbation, IEHeart Failure, IEPeripheral Artery Disease +4 more