The role of ENT surgeons in snoring assessment: some prospective preliminary evidence.

OBJECTIVES

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.

DESIGN

Prospective analytical cohort study.

SETTING

Snoring clinic in Secondary Care Otolaryngology centre.

PARTICIPANTS

Ninety-three patients referred with disruptive snoring.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

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.

CONCLUSION

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.