Stertorous

Stertorous is a medical term used to express a respiratory sound characterized by heavy snoring or gasping. It is caused by partial obstruction of airway above the level of the larynx and by vibrations of tissue of the naso-pharynx, pharynx or soft palate. (This distinguishes it from stridor which is caused by turbulent air flow below or in the larynx). It is low pitched, nonmusical and occurs during the inspiratory phase only. In general terms it is a snoring or snuffly sound. The patient is said to suffer from stertor. Stertorous breathing will be audible in the epileptic patient during the post-ictal phase following a tonic-clonic seizure.

Causes

 * Loss of nervous control of the pharynx, soft palate, particularly from damage for instance by stroke or tumor to the vagus and hypoglossal cranial nerves
 * Obstructive sleep apnoea
 * Upper-Airway Resistance Syndrome