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A cleft palate is a developmental defect that develops in the prenatal stage. It is a fissure of various sizes resulting from the failure of the left and right parts of the palate to join. Sometimes a cleft palate is associated with other malformations. As a standard, cleft treatment is performed surgically.
A cleft palate is the most common genetic developmental defect. This defect can appear in any part of the palate. Along with a cleft palate, a cleft lip can also appear, which has similar causes. Statistically, it occurs more often in girls. Cleavage is diagnosed immediately after birth due to the characteristic appearance of the newborn’s face, and surgery is carried out as early as possible.
Cleft palate – causes
It is known that a cleft palate is the result of the left and right palate not fusing together. However, the exact causes of cleft are unknown. However, there are known factors that increase the probability of the development of this defect in the fetal life of a child. Many genes are responsible for the appearance of a cleft palate, but external factors such as alcoholism, smoking and drug addiction are also important.
Another risk factor for the appearance of a cleft palate is fetal malnutrition. It especially concerns folic acid, the deficiency of which can lead to neural tube defects and many other malformations.
The hypoxia of the mother and the fetus is also responsible for the cleft palate. In addition, the risk of developing the defect is increased by any disease of the pregnant woman, especially infectious ones, such as smallpox, medications taken, ionizing radiation and any intrauterine bleeding.
A cleft palate is often a defect accompanying various malformations related to chromosomal mutations, such as Edwards’ syndrome.
Cleft palate – symptoms
The symptoms of a cleft palate depend on the severity of the defect. Often, the face shows no signs of cleft if it is small and located in the palate. The symptoms of a cleft palate are only seen in the mouth.
The larger the cleft, the more noticeable symptoms and complaints become. Cleft palate causes eating disorders. It is difficult for a baby to suck, and with age, it is difficult to drink fluids at all. Speech and articulation of some sounds may also be disturbed.
A cleft palate can also aggravate ear inflammation and hearing problems.
Cleft palate – treatment
Treatment of a cleft palate involves surgery. This is the only way to join the cleft palate. Often, however, the operation is performed in stages and requires several procedures, which is due to the child’s growth and the associated anatomical changes in the throat and palate.
Split palate operations are usually performed between 18 and 24 months of age. Before the operation, specially profiled inserts close the gap.
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