WHAT IS A CLEFT LIP AND CLEFT PALATE

Cleft lip and cleft palate are one of the most common birth defects. They are openings or splits in the upper lip, palate or both and may result when facial structures that are developing in an unborn baby don't close completely. 

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CLEFT LIP AND CLEFT PALATE

A split (cleft) in the lip or palate is immediately identifiable at birth and  may appear as:

• a split in the lip and roof of the mouth (palate) that affects one or both sides of the face
• a split in the lip that appears as only a small notch in the lip or extends from the lip through the upper gum and palate into the bottom of the nose
• a split in the roof of the mouth that doesn't affect the appearance of the face

A less common form is a cleft occuring only in the muscles of the soft palate (known as submucous cleft palate), often goes unnoticed at birth. Later symptoms of submucous cleft palate can be  until later signs and symptoms appear, difficulty in feeding and swallowing, nasal voice and chronic ear infections. 

Cleft lip and cleft palate occurs when tissues in the baby's face and mouth don't fuse properly, it can be casued due to genetic or environmental factors or both.  

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT 

Diagnosis: Most cases of cleft lip and cleft palate are noticed right away at birth and would not require special tests for diagnosis. Cleft lip and cleft palate are increasingly being seen on ultrasound before the baby is born. 

Treatment: Cleft lip treatment involves a combination of surgery to repair the defect and therapies to improve any related conditions. Cleft lip and palette surgeries are usually performed in the following order: 

• Cleft lip repair ( first 3- 6 months )
• Cleft palate repair (12 months, or earlier)  
• Follow-up surgeries — between 02 and late teen years

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 

1. Risk factors Certain factors may increase the likelihood of a baby developing a cleft lip and cleft palate, such as Family history, exposure to certain substances during pregnancy, being obese during pregnancy, mother diagnosed with diabetes before pregnancy.  
2. Complications. e.g difficulty feeding, ear infections and hearing loss, dental issues, speech difficulties, etc. In addition they may undergo behavioural and emotional problems due to their physical appearances
3. The following things may be recommended to manage some of the complications for patients or cleft lip or palate. 

• • a special bottle nipple or feeder
  • speech therapy 
  • orthodontic adjustments 
  • monitoring by a paediatric dentist and ENT surgeon
  • considering hearing aids or other assistive devices for a child with hearing loss
  • psychotherapy