Cleft Palate In Children: Everything You Need To Know – You Are Mom

The structures of the palate can suffer from deformities. The most common is cleft palate or cleft palate, a birth 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 during the first phase of pregnancy.

Cleft palate and cleft lip can occur together or in isolation. The first is manifested by a direct incision in the palate that reaches the nose. The second is reflected with an opening between the upper lip and the nasal cavity. Both require surgery to be corrected.

Factors causing cleft palate

This anomaly affects 1 in 700 children. It occurs when the tissues of the lip and palate do not unite properly. Environmental and genetic factors influence its appearance. In addition, the  mutations were detected in sensitive genes in tobacco, alcohol and lack of vitamins  that may influence.

The family inheritance also intervenes, as well as the taking of certain drugs. 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 such alterations.

On the other hand, it is  estimated that there are around 350 syndromes that contain this defect in their clinical picture. One of them is Van der Wouder syndrome (VWS), associated with changes in the IRF6 and GRHL3 genes. When the allele responsible for the family has been detected, it is possible to make prenatal diagnoses.

Diagnosis of cleft palate

If during gestation the upper jaw does not close properly, the separation that distinguishes the cleft palate appears. The “crack” could run from the hard palate (front of the mouth) to the throat  (soft palate). It could even spread inside the nasal cavity or compromise the lip.

Unlike a cleft lip,  it is not as noticeable and cannot be detected by ultrasound. It is at birth that the doctor notices the presence or not of the crack. It can be a very small or a large orifice that will trigger respiratory, eating, and expressive complications.

The persistent problem in babies with a cleft palate is their  inability to generate a vacuum in the mouth that facilitates suctioning. As a result, ingested fluids escape through the nose, causing regurgitation which increases the risk of suffocation. Ideally, use special bottles and operate as soon as possible.

Damage associated with the condition

A child with a cleft palate may have stunted growth, constant ear infections, and communication problems. As a result of all this, he  may face emotional and psychological conflicts. In this case, it is convenient to consult a child psychologist.

Even though all of this happens, it’s  important to know that cleft palate is not a disease. With the necessary attention, the child can lead a normal life. Until the time of surgery, it is necessary to keep him in an inclined position to avoid going astray if he vomits, and always clear his nose.

Surgical operations to correct a cleft palate

Surgeries to repair a cleft palate are tricky. They cannot always be performed in the third month, such as those for cleft lip. But most must be done in the first year of life. Depending on the severity of the case, the number and type of operations to be performed will be determined.

In general, it is  necessary to close the hard and soft palates, fix the lip or the nose, fill the gum, form bony structures and apply cosmetic corrections. The process can be slow and lengthy, and you need to have patience. If the hole cannot be completely closed, it is suggested to use a prosthesis or obturator to improve feeding.

Can cleft palate be avoided? Adopting healthy habits during pregnancy and taking vitamins  (folic acid and vitamin A) can help. However, being a congenital defect, it is difficult to avoid. The main thing is to understand that this is not a serious condition and that it has a solution.