Stertor: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
[[File:Blausen_0872_UpperRespiratorySystem.png| | | name = Stertor | ||
| image = [[File:Blausen_0872_UpperRespiratorySystem.png|250px]] | |||
| caption = Diagram of the [[upper respiratory tract]] | |||
| field = [[Otorhinolaryngology]] | |||
| synonyms = Snoring | |||
| symptoms = Noisy breathing, [[snoring]] | |||
| complications = [[Sleep apnea]], [[daytime sleepiness]] | |||
| onset = Can occur at any age | |||
| duration = Can be chronic or intermittent | |||
| causes = [[Obstruction]] of the [[upper airway]] | |||
| risks = [[Obesity]], [[nasal congestion]], [[alcohol consumption]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Physical examination]], [[sleep study]] | |||
| differential = [[Stridor]], [[apnea]] | |||
| treatment = [[Weight loss]], [[CPAP]], [[surgery]] | |||
| frequency = Common | |||
}} | |||
'''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. | '''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 == | == Causes == | ||
Stertor is usually caused by the vibration of relaxed or redundant tissues in the upper airway. Common causes include: | Stertor is usually caused by the vibration of relaxed or redundant tissues in the upper airway. Common causes include: | ||
* [[Obstructive sleep apnea]] | * [[Obstructive sleep apnea]] | ||
* [[Tonsillar hypertrophy]] | * [[Tonsillar hypertrophy]] | ||
| Line 13: | Line 25: | ||
* [[Nasal polyps]] | * [[Nasal polyps]] | ||
* [[Obesity]] | * [[Obesity]] | ||
== Clinical Significance == | == 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. | 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 == | == 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: | 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]] | * [[Polysomnography]] | ||
* [[Laryngoscopy]] | * [[Laryngoscopy]] | ||
* [[Imaging studies]] such as [[CT scan]] or [[MRI]] | * [[Imaging studies]] such as [[CT scan]] or [[MRI]] | ||
== Management == | == Management == | ||
The management of stertor depends on the underlying cause. Treatment options may include: | The management of stertor depends on the underlying cause. Treatment options may include: | ||
* [[Continuous positive airway pressure]] (CPAP) therapy for obstructive sleep apnea | * [[Continuous positive airway pressure]] (CPAP) therapy for obstructive sleep apnea | ||
* Surgical interventions such as [[tonsillectomy]] or [[adenoidectomy]] | * Surgical interventions such as [[tonsillectomy]] or [[adenoidectomy]] | ||
* Weight loss and lifestyle modifications | * Weight loss and lifestyle modifications | ||
* Medical management of nasal congestion or allergies | * Medical management of nasal congestion or allergies | ||
== See also == | |||
== | |||
* [[Stridor]] | * [[Stridor]] | ||
* [[Sleep apnea]] | * [[Sleep apnea]] | ||
* [[Upper airway obstruction]] | * [[Upper airway obstruction]] | ||
[[Category:Respiratory system]] | [[Category:Respiratory system]] | ||
Latest revision as of 18:18, 8 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics
| Stertor | |
|---|---|
| File:Blausen 0872 UpperRespiratorySystem.png | |
| Synonyms | Snoring |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Noisy breathing, snoring |
| Complications | Sleep apnea, daytime sleepiness |
| Onset | Can occur at any age |
| Duration | Can be chronic or intermittent |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Obstruction of the upper airway |
| Risks | Obesity, nasal congestion, alcohol consumption |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination, sleep study |
| Differential diagnosis | Stridor, apnea |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Weight loss, CPAP, surgery |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Common |
| Deaths | N/A |
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[edit]
Stertor is usually caused by the vibration of relaxed or redundant tissues in the upper airway. Common causes include:
Clinical Significance[edit]
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[edit]
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[edit]
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