Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Egophony

🎬
Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

While listening to the chest with the stethoscope, ask the patient to say the vowel ‘E’ continuously and compare across lung fields. The finding (egophony) is present when the ‘E’ takes on a nasal, bleating quality and is heard as ‘A’ (the E-to-A change); over normal lung the ‘E’ stays an ‘E’ and is muffled.

How to Interpret

Showing 1 of 3 findings

Lobar Pneumonia or Consolidation

Egophony positive
Rule in
Helpful
Rule out
—
Evidence:Strong

References

  • Ebell MH, Chupp H, Cai X, Bentivegna M, Kearney M. Accuracy of Signs and Symptoms for the Diagnosis of Community-acquired Pneumonia: A Meta-analysis. Acad Emerg Med. 2020;27(7):541-553. PMID: 32329557.
  • Laënnec RTH. De l'auscultation médiate ou traité du diagnostic des maladies des poumons et du cœur. Paris: Brosson et Chaudé; 1819.

Related Systems / Regions

RespiratoryThorax

Related Bedside Tests

🎬Video coming Sept 2026
Bronchophony
Rule in:IEAtelectasis with Patent Airway, IELobar Pneumonia or Consolidation
Rule out:IEAtelectasis with Patent Airway, IELobar Pneumonia or Consolidation
🎬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