Other causes are also possible. Many cases cannot be prevented. Avoidance of smoking could prevent some cases, such as those due to COPD and lung cancer. Avoidance of obesity can prevent some cases of sleep apnea. Taking medications as prescribed can prevent noisy breathing due to congestive heart failure , gastroesophageal reflux disease , or asthma .
Diagnosis begins with the history and physical exam.
This may be all that is needed in some cases. For others, further tests may be needed. Different tests may be ordered, depending on the suspected cause. A chest x-ray is commonly done to look for infections, tumors, and lung or heart diseases. Special x-rays such as a chest CT scan will look for tumors, and a cranial MRI can detect a stroke.