My friend's first child has been born with a cleft palate. Can you tell me something about this condition and why some babies are born with it?
A cleft palate is a congenital condition that results in a split in the roof of the mouth. It can be seen on its own or in conjunction with a cleft lip - a congenital split on one or both sides of the upper lip. The cleft is due to an incomplete closure of the skin, muscle or bone usually during early development of the baby in the womb. Although the cause is not known, in some instances there may be a genetic component.
I know she is having some trouble feeding, but in what other ways may this condition affect her?
Apart from the cosmetic irregularities, a cleft palate and, to a lesser extent, a cleft lip interfere with the natural function of the mouth.
Opening and closing the mouth, speaking, eating, drinking and breathing may all be affected by the condition. When the teeth start to grow they can be misplaced causing difficulties with the ability to chew.
In addition, children with cleft problems often experience recurrent or persistent ear infections due to a dysfunction of the Eustachian tube, allowing bacteria and viruses travel from the back of the nose to behind the ear drum.
What can be done about it and if she needs surgery, how early will this be performed?
Surgery is used to correct cleft lip and palate problems. The aim of treatment is to establish good functioning of the lip and palate to enable the child to breathe, eat and speak normally.
Surgery also aims to create a symmetrical appearance and provide a normal structure for the development of the teeth as they grow.
Depending on the severity of the deformity, a number of specialists, including a paediatrician, an ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon, a specialist dentist, and speech and language therapists will be involved in treatment.
The timing of surgery will depend on the degree of the problem. Additional surgery and treatments may also be necessary as the child develops.
You should reassure your friend that for the majority of cases, surgery achieves a very good result, both in terms of function and aesthetics.