What condition is associated with increased tactile fremitus?

Tactile fremitus refers to the palpable vibration of the chest wall when a person speaks, and it is influenced by the density of lung tissue. In the case of lobar pneumonia, the presence of fluid in the alveoli makes the lung tissue more consolidated and denser, which enhances the transmission of vibrations from the bronchial tubes to the chest wall. As a result, a healthcare provider would feel increased fremitus when the patient speaks.

In contrast, conditions like asthma and chronic bronchitis typically involve increased air trapping and obstructed airflow, which can lead to decreased tactile fremitus. In the case of a pneumothorax, air in the pleural space can further contribute to a decrease in fremitus due to a lack of solid lung tissue in contact with the chest wall. Therefore, the association of increased tactile fremitus with lobar pneumonia is specifically due to the consolidation of lung tissue from the infection, making it the correct answer.