The role of ENT surgeons in snoring assessment: some prospective preliminary evidence.
OBJECTIVE
To determine (i) the prevalence of unsuspected upper aerodigestive tract disease in snorers, (ii) the diagnostic yield of routine flexible endoscopy and (iii) the relationship between symptoms of upper aerodigestive tract disease and examination findings in snorers.


METHODS
Prospective analytical cohort study.


METHODS
Snoring clinic in Secondary Care Otolaryngology centre.


METHODS
Ninety-three patients referred with disruptive snoring.


METHODS
A structured history of upper aerodigestive tract symptoms was obtained by clinic interview. All patients underwent detailed ENT examination. Univariate analysis was undertaken on data collected.


RESULTS
The prevalence of oropharyngeal and laryngeal pathology in the cohort was 3%. No unsuspected upper aerodigestive tract pathology was found on routine flexible endoscopy. A history of Hard Nasal Symptoms was an accurate predictor of underlying nasal pathology.


CONCLUSIONS
The authors propose that the detailed examination of snorers by ENT specialists is unnecessary in the absence of Hard Nasal Symptoms, hoarseness or pain. We propose that a system of triage based on patient history could help identify the minority of snorers who require specialist assessment.
Robertson
S
S
Department of ENT Head & Neck Surgery, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK. stuart@glasgow.org
Young
D
D
McGarry
G W
GW
MacKenzie
K
K
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006685:Hoarseness / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007818:Laryngeal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010036:Otolaryngology; D010038:Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D010146:Pain / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D012913:Snoring / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D055815:Young Adult