A comparative evaluation between snorers and non snorers using cephalometric analysis of soft tissues

Introduction: Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a collective clinical term encompassing primary snoring, upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS), and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). These syndromes currently are regarded to fall along a spectrum of severity concerning the same pathophysiological condition. Material and method: The study was conducted on 60 participants with 18 males and 12 female participants in study group and 16 males and 14 female participants among control group. Cephalogram and panoramic radiographs of each study individual were made using X MIND PANO D+ X ray unit and results were analyzed using Digora software. Four parameters (length, width of soft palate, distance to pharynx from maximum width and width of tongue) related to soft tissue were analyzed. Results: Observations reveal that the length and width of the soft palate was more among snorers in comparison to non snorers and was statistically significant. The posterior superior pharyngeal space was found to be less among snorers as compared to non snorers and was found to be statistically highly significant it was also found that the maximum width of tongue was slightly more among snorers as compared to non snorers and was found to be statistically non significant. Conclusion: This method of detecting snoreres from non snorers may help in deriving definite parameters to identify the risk and/or arriving at the diagnosis of snoring and its management, helping snorers and the sufferers to lead a better life and have a good sleep.