Egophony

System: Chest & Breathing Signs · All chest & breathing signs

What it is — and how it is elicited

When the patient says 'E', it sounds like 'A' through the stethoscope over an area of lung — a nasal, bleating quality.

What a positive finding suggests

Associated with consolidation of lung tissue, as in pneumonia, especially above a pleural effusion.

Browse the E section of the A–Z list or return to the Clinical Signs hub.

Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.