The word "stertor" is spelled with the consonant cluster "rt" in the middle. The "er" sound at the end is spelled with the letter "or" which is commonly used for this sound in English. The "st" sound in the beginning is represented by the letters "st" which is also common in English. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word can be written as /ˈstɜːtə(r)/, with stress on the first syllable and the American English pronunciation of the vowel in the first syllable. "Stertor" refers to the snoring, noisy, and difficult breathing.
Stertor is a noun that refers to a loud, snoring or snorting sound made during breathing while sleeping or when one is unconscious. It is often associated with a restricted airflow in the upper respiratory passages, resulting in the vibration of tissues in the throat or nasal passages. This condition can stem from various factors such as obesity, nasal congestion, sleep apnea, or the relaxation of muscles in the throat during sleep. It can also be caused by certain medications or substances that depress the central nervous system, leading to a decrease in muscle tone.
The sound produced during stertor is typically characterized by a harsh, rattling quality that may disturb or alarm others who may be nearby. As the individual with stertor inhales, the airflow encounters an obstruction, which creates the distinctive noise. It is important to note that stertor is different from snoring, as the former often indicates a more severe obstruction in the airway.
The treatment for stertor often involves addressing the underlying cause. For instance, weight loss, positional therapy, or the use of devices that keep the airway open may be recommended for those with sleep apnea-related stertor. Nasal decongestants or surgical interventions may be employed in cases where nasal congestion contributes to the condition. Additionally, avoiding substances that relax the muscles, such as alcohol or certain medications, can help prevent stertor. In some cases, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines may be prescribed to provide adequate airflow and reduce the severity of stertor.
A snore, a noisy inspiration occurring in coma or deep sleep.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "stertor" is derived from the Latin term "stertor" which means "a snoring". It comes from the verb "stertōrāre", which is related to the sound made while snoring. The Latin term itself is influenced by the Latin adjective "stertōrus", which means "noisy" or "snoring". This word appears to have its origin in the Proto-Indo-European root "*ster-" which refers to "to resound" or "to snore". The term "stertor" was later adopted into Middle English and has been used to describe a harsh, snoring or rattling sound associated with the respiratory system, particularly in cases of abnormal breathing or certain medical conditions.