Cleft lip and palate are the most common congenital anomalies of the face. They result from the failure of the various structures that form the lip and palate to fuse. This condition places heavy psychological pressure on the family and the child and can cause developmental problems in the child. For parents of a baby with a cleft lip, the joy of the birth can very quickly give way to a great deal of worry. The best help for such a family is to explain that this is a common condition, that it can have many different causes, and that it can also be treated successfully. In this way, the family's anxiety eases and a two-way exchange of information can begin for the success of the treatment. Special feeding bottles with nipples designed for this purpose should be recommended for babies with a cleft palate.
Weak sucking function and food coming out through the nose during swallowing can lead to feeding difficulties and growth retardation.
Because the upper airways are constantly exposed to cold, dry air, infectious complications such as pharyngitis and ear infections occur frequently.
Today, thanks to extensive experimental and clinical research on cleft lip and palate, various repair and treatment methods have been developed, and good results can now be achieved in all such anomalies.
Treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach.
Treatment begins at birth with special feeding and continues in several stages until adolescence. Cleft lip surgery is performed after the baby is three months old. A child with a cleft lip and palate will most likely face problems with teething, speech, swallowing, chewing and hearing.
The aim of surgery should not be just to close a defect, but to improve all of the problems listed above. In particular, sucking and natural feeding should be encouraged to support the development of the mouth muscles. To reduce food escaping through the nose and the risk of aspiration, the baby should be held in a 45-degree sitting position during feeding. The baby should be fed small amounts at frequent intervals.
Today, very successful results are achieved in the treatment of cleft lip and palate.
The information on our website is not intended to direct individuals to any treatment. Do not take any diagnostic or treatment steps without consulting your doctor. The content does not contain information about İzmir Can Hastanesi's therapeutic healthcare services.
