Stertor

Stertor is a term used in medicine to describe a type of noisy breathing. It is often associated with conditions that cause obstruction or narrowing of the upper airway, such as sleep apnea, snoring, or nasal congestion. Stertor is characterized by a low-pitched, snoring sound that is produced during inhalation. It is different from stridor, which is a high-pitched, wheezing sound that is typically heard during exhalation.

Causes

Stertor can be caused by a variety of conditions that affect the upper airway. These include:

• Obstructive sleep apnea: This is a condition in which the airway becomes blocked during sleep, causing periods of stopped breathing. Stertor is often a symptom of this condition.
• Snoring: This is a common cause of stertor. It occurs when the flow of air through the mouth and nose is physically obstructed.
• Nasal congestion: This can be caused by a variety of conditions, including allergies, a cold, or a sinus infection. When the nasal passages are blocked, it can lead to stertor.
• Obesity: Excess weight can cause the tissues in the throat to become thicker, leading to stertor.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of stertor is typically made based on a person's symptoms and a physical examination. The doctor may ask about the person's medical history and perform a physical examination to check for signs of conditions that can cause stertor, such as obesity or nasal congestion. In some cases, further tests may be needed to determine the cause of the stertor. These can include a sleep study, a CT scan, or an MRI.

Treatment

The treatment for stertor depends on the underlying cause. For example, if the stertor is caused by obesity, the person may be advised to lose weight. If the stertor is caused by nasal congestion, the person may be given medication to reduce the congestion. In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove or reduce the size of the tissues that are causing the stertor.

See also

• Stridor
• Sleep apnea
• Snoring
• Nasal congestion

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