Sleep apnea is a common yet serious sleep disorder that interrupts your breathing throughout the night—leading to poor sleep quality, daytime exhaustion, and long-term health risks if left untreated.
Table of Contents
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea occurs when your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to blocked airways or disrupted brain signals. These interruptions can occur dozens—or even hundreds—of times each night.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
The most common form, OSA happens when throat muscles relax excessively and block the airway. It often causes loud snoring, gasping, and fragmented sleep.
Central Sleep Apnea
Less common, this type occurs when the brain doesn't send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. It often requires specialized neurological care and a more tailored treatment approach.
Inspire Therapy
Inspire™ is an innovative, implantable device for patients with moderate to severe OSA who can't tolerate CPAP. Implanted in an outpatient setting, it stimulates the airway muscles to stay open during sleep—without requiring a mask or hose.
AirLift Procedure
AirLift™ is a minimally invasive surgical implant that helps lift and support the airway beneath the chin. It's ideal for patients seeking an alternative to CPAP with immediate and long-lasting benefits.
Who Is at Risk for Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea can affect anyone, but risk increases with:
- Being overweight
- Age 40 and up
- Smoking or heavy alcohol use
- Family history of sleep disorders
- Chronic nasal congestion
- Large neck circumference
- Conditions such as heart failure or hypothyroidism
Sleep Apnea FAQs
Can sleep apnea go away on its own?
In some mild cases, weight loss or lifestyle changes may reduce symptoms, but most patients benefit from medical treatment for consistent relief.
Is CPAP the only treatment option?
No. While CPAP is highly effective, there are several alternatives—including Inspire, AirLift, and minimally invasive surgeries.
Can children outgrow sleep apnea?
Some children may outgrow mild sleep apnea, but many benefit from early intervention, especially when caused by enlarged tonsils or adenoids.
How do I know if I need sleep apnea surgery?
If CPAP therapy isn’t providing relief or isn’t a good fit for you, our team at LENTS will evaluate your condition and discuss surgical options that best suit your needs, such as Inspire™ Therapy or AirLift™.
Are there risks involved with sleep apnea surgery?
As with any surgery, there are risks such as infection and scarring. At LENTS, our experienced team takes great care to minimize these risks, and we’ll walk you through the details of your procedure to ensure you’re well-informed.
How long is the recovery after sleep apnea surgery?
Recovery times depend on the procedure, but for minimally invasive surgeries like Inspire™ or AirLift™, most patients return to normal activities within a few days to a week. More complex surgeries may take longer, and we’ll provide specific recovery guidelines for you.
Why Choose Louisiana ENT Specialists for Sleep Apnea Care in Baton Rouge?
At LENTS, we know that better sleep leads to better health—and we're committed to helping you achieve both. Our Baton Rouge providers use advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatment options to identify the root cause of your sleep issues and deliver care that's effective and easy to follow.
Whether you need CPAP support, surgical care, or innovative implant therapies, we'll guide you every step of the way with experience, compassion, and precision.
Ready to take control of your sleep health? Schedule your consultation for sleep apnea surgery in Baton Rouge with Louisiana ENT Specialists today.
