The exact cause of clefts is currently unknown. Some research indicates that clefts
are more common in Asians. Boys are also more often affected than girls. Heredity
can also be an influence. Sometimes children born with clefts also suffer from
other abnormalities.
With cleft palate, the roof of the mouth can be an obvious opening or covered
by a thin mucus membrane. In this instance, the cleft is called a sub mucous
cleft.
In most instances, cleft palate cannot be detected before birth during an ultrasound.
A diagnosis of cleft palate, especially sub mucous cleft, may not be made right
away. It is later on when a child exhibits swallowing difficulties or speech
problems.
A child with a cleft palate may have little to no breast feeding or bottle
feeding difficulties. Prosthetics, called obturators, are available, if needed
for a child who does experience problems. Sometimes formula or breast milk can
be accidentally brought up into the nasal cavity causing discomfort.
Treating a cleft palate usually involves an experienced team of medical professionals.
Surgery is almost always indicated to repair the cleft. Parents are generally
very eager to have clefts fixed but doctors typically like to wait several months.
Surgical repair requires placing the child under general anesthesia. Putting
a child under comes with its own risks. Waiting for the child to be older and
stronger lessens some of the risks but not all.
While surgically repairing a cleft lip may only require one surgery, repairing
a cleft palate is more extensive. Doctors need to take tissue from the inside
of the mouth to rebuild the palate. The need for further operations will depend
on the severity of the cleft.
Children who have oral clefting may also experience some additional dental
problems. While surgery may repair the appearance and function of the palate,
it may not be able to prevent the occurrence of missing, malformed or extra
teeth. Children born with cleft palates are also more susceptible to cavities.
Another health professional that would probably be involved in the care of
a child with cleft palate would be an ENT or ears, nose and throat doctor. Ear
infections are a very common occurrence in young children. This is especially
true for children with clefts. The Eustachian tubes are not able to properly
drain fluids into the throat from the middle ear. This causes fluid accumulation
along with pressure in the ears. Children with clefts are also at increased
risk for hearing loss from repeated ear infections.
As a child with cleft ages, the need for a speech therapist may be necessary.
Many children with clefts have difficulty learning to speak. A speech therapist
would work with the child and the parents and give instructions on activities
and exercises that can be performed to help improve the child’s speech.
If additional surgeries are needed, a speech therapist would continue to aide
the child and the family.
Many parents are concerned about their child’s future appearance. With
advances in medicine, plastic surgeons are capable of making scarring minimal.
The greatest hurdle in repairing a cleft is making the face symmetrical.
Children with clefts are going to need a lot of support as they grow. Kids
can be mean, especially about appearances. Kids and teens may have to face teasing
from their peers. Children can experience low self esteem and depression. Support
groups may be beneficial as that child can interact with other kids with similar
experiences. Involvement with teachers and counselors can be helpful also.
Just because you’ve had a child with cleft, does not mean you’ve
done something wrong. Improvements are continuously
being made to improve the quality of life and appearance
of children with clefts. It is completely normal and
natural to experience a wide variety of emotions. You’ve
not alone. Don’t be afraid to share your emotions
with others and to reach out for help for yourself.
© Rebecca Pillar 2007 |
