Cleft Palate In Children: Everything You Need To Know
The structures of the palate can suffer malformations. The most common is cleft palate or palate, a congenital defect that causes difficulty in eating and drinking. Although it tends to be confused with cleft lip, they are not the same. However, both conditions develop early in pregnancy.
Cleft palate and cleft lip can present together or in isolation. The first is manifested with a direct incisor on the palate that reaches the nose. The second is reflected with an opening between the upper lip and the nostril. Both require surgery to be corrected.
Causal agents of cleft palate
This anomaly affects 1 in 700 children. It occurs when the tissues of the lip and palate do not come together properly. Environmental and genetic factors influence its appearance. In addition, mutations have been detected in genes susceptible to tobacco, alcohol and the lack of vitamins that can play a role.
Family inheritance also plays a role, as does the intake of certain medications. Those most at risk are those used to treat seizures, cancer, arthritis, and acne. Doctors also do not rule out that exposure to certain chemicals or viruses can trigger alterations of this type.
On the other hand, it is estimated that there are about 350 syndromes that consider this defect in its clinical picture. One of them is Van der Wouder Syndrome (VWS), associated with alterations in the IRF6 and GRHL3 genes. When the causative allele has been detected in the family, it is possible to make prenatal diagnoses.
Diagnosis of cleft palate
If the upper jaw does not close properly during pregnancy, the separation that distinguishes the cleft palate appears. The “cleft” may extend from the hard palate (front of the mouth) to the throat (soft palate). It could even extend into the nasal cavity or compromise the lip.
Unlike cleft lip, it is not as noticeable and cannot be detected with ultrasound. It is in childbirth when the doctor notices the presence or not of the fissure. It can be a very small or a large hole that will trigger respiratory, eating and expressive complications.
The persistent problem in babies with cleft palate is their inability to create the vacuum in the mouth that facilitates sucking. For this reason, the ingested liquids escape through the nose, causing regurgitations that increase the risk of suffocation. Ideally, use special bottles and operate as soon as possible.
Damages associated with the condition
A child with a cleft palate may show growth retardation, constant ear infections, and trouble communicating. As a result of all this, you may face emotional and psychological conflicts. In this case, it is advisable to consult a child psychologist.
If there is a cleft lip and palate, cosmetic damage becomes visible. There are obstacles in the formation of the teeth, misalignment in the same and a high tendency to the formation of cavities. In addition to this, there may be changes in the shape of the nose.
Even if all of this happens, it is important to assume that cleft palate is not a disease. With due care the little one can lead a normal life. Until the time of surgery, it is necessary to keep him in an inclined position to prevent him from breathing in if he vomits and to always clear his nose.
Surgeries to correct a cleft palate
Surgeries to correct a cleft palate are delicate. They cannot always be started in the third month, like those of cleft lip, but many must be carried out at one year of life. Depending on the severity of the case, the number and type of operations to be carried out will be determined.
Typically, the hard and soft palate needs to be closed, the lip or nose fixed, the gums filled, bone structures formed, and cosmetic corrections applied. The process can be slow and lengthy, and patience is required. If the hole cannot be fully closed, it is suggested to use a prosthesis or obturator to improve feeding.
Can cleft palate be prevented? Adopting healthy habits during pregnancy and taking vitamins (folic acid and vitamin A) can help. However, as it is a congenital defect, it is difficult to avoid. The fundamental thing is to understand that it is not a serious condition and that it has a solution.
