Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate

Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate

            Cleft lip and cleft palate are abnormal facial and oral formation that causes opening or splits in the upper lip, palate or both. This malformation makes the facial structures of the baby do not completely close. This malformation occurs in pregnancy. Isolated birth defects and inherited genetic conditions or syndromes are common factors of this condition. However, cleft lip and cleft palate can be corrected and restored to its normal function.

Symptoms

             An opening or a split in the lip or palate can be identified at birth. Thay may appear as:

            Another kind of cleft palate called submucous cleft palate is unnoticeable at birth but as its signs and symptoms develop. The signs and symptoms of submucous cleft palate may include:

• • feeding problems
  • swallowing problems, such as the liquids or food coming out from the nose
  • voice of nasal speaking
  • chronic infections in ear

When to see a doctor

            The doctor usually coordinates a care for cleft lip and cleft palate at birth after noticing the condition. However, if you notice any sign or symptom of submucous cleft palate, you are advised to take your baby to the doctor.

Causes

            Cleft lip and cleft palate occur when there is lack of tissue in the mouth and lip area to completely fuse. This condition normally happens during the first  two to three months of the pregnancy. Genetic and environmental factors are considered the main factors of this condition.

Risk factors

            There are several factors that increase the risk of cleft lip and cleft palate including:

• • Family history of cleft lip or cleft palate
  • Pregnant women who smoke, drink alcohol or take some medications
  • Pregnant women who have been diagnosed with diabete before the pregnancy
  • Obesity during pregnancy

Complication

            Complications of cleft lip and cleft palate are varied to type and severity of the condition. The complications may include:

• • Feeding problems
  • Loss of hearing
  • Ear infections
  • Dental problems
  • Speech problems
  • Tendency to be involved with other medical conditions, such as social, emotional and behavioral problems

Diagnosis

            Cleft lip and cleft palate can be diagnosed immediately at birth. However, they can be also seen on ultrasound before birth.

Treatment

            The purposes of the treatment for cleft lip and cleft palate are to achieve a normal facial appearance and to improve the ability to eat, speak and hear normally. The treatments may include:

• Surgery

            To correct cleft lip and palate, the doctor usually considers the conditions of each baby to determine an appropriate time for the surgery and the type of surgery. The kinds of surgery for cleft lip and palate are as follow:

• • Cleft lip repair
  • Cleft palate repair
  • Ear tube surgery
  • Appearance reconstructive surgery

            Suggested ranges of age for each kind of the surgery

• • Within the first 3 to 6 months of age – cleft lip repair
  • 12 months or earlier – Cleft palate repair
  • Between the age of 2 and late teen years – Follow-up surgeries

Preparing for an appointment

            Before your appointment, you are advised to be aware of restrictions prior the appointment and you may prepare some information including:

• • your baby’s symptoms
  • questions that you want to ask the doctor

            During the consulting, the doctor may ask some questions including the information such as:

• • the history of your family member who have been involved with cleft lip and palate
  • the problems while feeding
  • the symptoms of the baby that worry you
  • whether anything improve or worsen your baby’s symptoms