What is tactile fremitus?

Tactile fremitus refers to the vibrations felt in the chest wall during palpation when a patient speaks. This phenomenon occurs because sound waves generated by the vocal cords travel through the bronchial tree and into the lungs, creating vibrations that can be felt on the surface of the chest. Health care providers often assess tactile fremitus by placing their hands on the patient's back or chest while instructing the patient to repeat certain phrases, such as "ninety-nine." The degree of fremitus can help healthcare professionals identify potential abnormalities, such as lung consolidation, pleural effusion, or pneumothorax, as these conditions can alter the transmission of vibrations.

In contrast, measuring lung capacity involves various techniques such as spirometry, which is different from tactile fremitus. Auscultation pertains to listening for normal or abnormal sounds within the lungs but does not involve palpation or the assessment of vibrations. The feeling of tightness in the chest during exertion is a symptom often associated with conditions like asthma or angina and does not relate to the physical assessment of tactile fremitus.