Have you laid in bed listening to your partner snore (of course you can’t sleep because of the noise) and noticed that every once in awhile it sounds like they aren’t breathing? When loud snoring is interrupted by episodes of obstructed breathing, it is known as obstructive sleep apnea. Serious episodes last more than 10 seconds each and occur more than 5 times per hour. These episodes can reduce blood oxygen levels, causing the heart to pump harder. It’s a serious medical condition.
The immediate effect of sleep apnea is that the snorer must sleep lightly and can never reach fully restful sleep. Not being able to reach deep sleep has many effects not just later in the date but later in life. As a result, he may be sleepy during the day, which can impair job performance and make him a hazardous driver or equipment operator. After many years with this disorder, elevated blood pressure and heart enlargement may occur.
Sleep apnea isn’t the only cause of snoring, but it is one of the more serious ones. The Snoring Center utilizes the latest minimally invasive procedures to treat other causes of snoring. Our list of treatments includes:
- The Pillar® Procedure
- Coblation Turbinate Reduction
- Palate Coblation
- RFA
- Laser Tonsillectomy
- Home Sleep Study
- Oral Appliances
- Snoring Surgery
- CPAP
In most cases, our Ear, Nose, and Throat physicians can evaluate, consult and treat a patient’s problem during one office visit. The entire process can take as little as one hour. So, if you (or your sleeping partner) snores, come see us at The Snoring Center’s Lafayette office for a consultation.
Your Doctor: Phillip Noel, MD, Medical Director – Lafayette, LA
A native of Abbeville, Dr. Noel grew up in a rice farming family. He is a graduate of Vermilion Catholic High School and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where he was named the Outstanding Graduate of 1986. He attended LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans, graduating with honors as well as attaining membership in Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society, awarded to the top ten percent of medical graduates. Dr. Noel completed his residency training in otolaryngology at Tulane University Medical Center following an internship in surgery and research fellowship at the LSU/Kresge Hearing Research Laboratory of the South in New Orleans. Dr. Noel returned home in 1997 after completing his training to found Noel ENT Clinic, with offices in Abbeville and Lafayette. Dr. Noel is board certified in Otolaryngology as well as Sleep Medicine, one of the few specialists in Louisiana with this distinction. He is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy, entailing an extensive course of study, qualifying examinations, and experience in the management of allergic disease.
Dr. Noel enjoys treating people of all ages for the full spectrum of ENT care and is ever mindful of the privilege he is afforded in being entrusted with your care. Dr. Noel and his wife, Michele McLachlan Noel, MD, are the parents of five children who keep them very busy.
