Stertor

Stertor

Diagram of the upper respiratory system

Stertor is a term used in medicine to describe a low-pitched, snoring-like sound that occurs during respiration. It is typically associated with partial obstruction of the upper airway and is most commonly heard during inspiration. Stertor is often confused with stridor, but the two are distinct in their characteristics and underlying causes.

Causes

Stertor is usually caused by the vibration of relaxed or redundant tissues in the upper airway. Common causes include:

• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Tonsillar hypertrophy
• Adenoid hypertrophy
• Nasal polyps
• Obesity

Clinical Significance

Stertor is an important clinical sign that can indicate the presence of an upper airway obstruction. It is often observed in patients with sleep-disordered breathing and can be a symptom of conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea. In children, stertor may be a sign of enlarged tonsils or adenoids.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of stertor involves a thorough physical examination and history taking. The healthcare provider may listen for the characteristic sound during breathing and assess for other signs of upper airway obstruction. Additional diagnostic tools may include:

• Polysomnography
• Laryngoscopy
• Imaging studies such as CT scan or MRI

Management

The management of stertor depends on the underlying cause. Treatment options may include:

• Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for obstructive sleep apnea
• Surgical interventions such as tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy
• Weight loss and lifestyle modifications
• Medical management of nasal congestion or allergies

Related Pages

• Stridor
• Sleep apnea
• Upper airway obstruction