Stertor vs. Stridor

Attribute	Stertor	Stridor
Definition	Noisy breathing sound caused by obstruction in the upper airway during inspiration or expiration	High-pitched, musical sound produced by turbulent airflow through a partially obstructed upper airway during inspiration
Sound Quality	Low-pitched, snoring or rattling sound	High-pitched, wheezing or crowing sound
Location	Heard in the back of the throat or nose	Heard over the trachea or larynx
Cause	Obstruction in the upper airway, often due to relaxed muscles or excess secretions	Partial blockage of the upper airway, usually caused by inflammation or narrowing
Associated Conditions	Sleep apnea, nasal congestion, obesity	Croup, epiglottitis, foreign body aspiration
Onset	Can occur during both inspiration and expiration	Usually occurs during inspiration

Introduction

Stertor and stridor are both respiratory sounds that can indicate underlying health issues. While they may sound similar, they have distinct characteristics and are associated with different conditions. Understanding the attributes of stertor and stridor can help in identifying the underlying causes and seeking appropriate medical attention.

Stertor

Stertor is a low-pitched, snoring-like sound that occurs during breathing. It is typically caused by the obstruction of the upper airway, often due to relaxed or partially collapsed tissues. Stertor can be heard during both inhalation and exhalation, and it is commonly associated with conditions such as sleep apnea, nasal congestion, or obstruction of the nasal passages.

One of the key attributes of stertor is its resonance in the nasal and pharyngeal areas. The sound is often described as deep and vibrating, resembling the snoring sound made during sleep. Stertor can be intermittent or continuous, depending on the severity of the obstruction and the underlying cause.

Individuals experiencing stertor may also exhibit symptoms such as daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating due to disrupted sleep patterns. Treatment for stertor often involves addressing the underlying cause, such as using nasal decongestants, nasal strips, or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines to improve airflow and reduce obstruction.

Stridor

Stridor, on the other hand, is a high-pitched, wheezing-like sound that occurs during breathing. It is typically caused by the narrowing or blockage of the upper airway, particularly the larynx or trachea. Stridor is most commonly heard during inhalation, but it can also be present during exhalation in severe cases.

One of the key attributes of stridor is its sharp and piercing quality. The sound is often described as a harsh, crowing noise that can be heard without the aid of a stethoscope. Stridor is commonly associated with conditions such as croup, epiglottitis, foreign body aspiration, or vocal cord dysfunction.

Individuals experiencing stridor may also exhibit symptoms such as difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, retractions (visible pulling in of the chest wall during inhalation), and cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin or lips). Immediate medical attention is often required for individuals experiencing stridor, as it can be a sign of a life-threatening condition. Treatment may involve interventions to relieve the airway obstruction, such as administering medications, providing supplemental oxygen, or performing emergency procedures if necessary.

Comparison

While both stertor and stridor are respiratory sounds associated with airway obstruction, they differ in several key attributes:

Sound Characteristics

Stertor is a low-pitched, snoring-like sound, whereas stridor is a high-pitched, wheezing-like sound. Stertor has a deep and vibrating quality, resembling the sound of snoring during sleep. In contrast, stridor has a sharp and piercing quality, often described as a harsh, crowing noise.

Location

Stertor is primarily heard in the nasal and pharyngeal areas, as it is caused by obstruction in the upper airway. On the other hand, stridor is typically heard in the larynx or trachea, indicating narrowing or blockage in the lower part of the upper airway.

Timing

Stertor can be heard during both inhalation and exhalation, while stridor is predominantly heard during inhalation. However, in severe cases of airway obstruction, stridor may also be present during exhalation.

Underlying Causes

Stertor is commonly associated with conditions such as sleep apnea, nasal congestion, or obstruction of the nasal passages. It is often caused by relaxed or partially collapsed tissues in the upper airway. On the other hand, stridor is commonly associated with conditions such as croup, epiglottitis, foreign body aspiration, or vocal cord dysfunction. It is caused by narrowing or blockage of the larynx or trachea.

Severity and Urgency

Stertor is generally less urgent and may not require immediate medical attention unless it significantly affects sleep quality or daily functioning. Stridor, on the other hand, is often considered an emergency and requires immediate medical attention, as it can be a sign of a life-threatening condition.

Conclusion

In summary, stertor and stridor are distinct respiratory sounds associated with airway obstruction. Stertor is a low-pitched, snoring-like sound primarily heard in the nasal and pharyngeal areas, while stridor is a high-pitched, wheezing-like sound predominantly heard in the larynx or trachea. Stertor is commonly associated with conditions such as sleep apnea or nasal congestion, while stridor is commonly associated with conditions such as croup or epiglottitis. Understanding the attributes of stertor and stridor can aid in identifying the underlying causes and seeking appropriate medical attention for these respiratory sounds.