Cleft Palate Treatment in India

Types of Cleft Palate Treatment India

The treatments for cleft palate repair may involve the following:

• Surgery
• Speech therapy
• Orthodontic treatment
• Ear tubes
• Orthognathic surgery
• Ongoing monitoring

Surgery

The primary treatment for a cleft palate is surgical repair. The surgery is performed when the child is one year old. This procedure involves closing the gap in the roof of the mouth to allow for proper speech and eating.

Speech Therapy

Children with cleft palates have affected speech and lack communication skills. For this purpose, speech therapy is required for children with cleft palates. It may last for 2 to 5 years.

Orthodontic Treatment

Dental care and management are also required in children with cleft palates. It may involve the use of orthodontic appliances such as braces. It is important to correct dental problems.

Ear Tubes

Some children with cleft palates may experience recurrent ear infections due to issues with the tube that connects the ear to the mouth. In such cases, ear tube placement can help to resolve the problem.

Orthognathic surgery

It is also known as jaw surgery. It is a medical procedure that is used to correct various jaw and facial abnormalities including those related to cleft palate.

Ongoing Monitoring

Children born with cleft palates require long-term follow-up care for the identification of any ongoing issues with speech, hearing, and dental development.

Diagnosis of Cleft Palate Treatment India

The diagnostic procedure used for cleft palate is as follows: 

Prenatal Screening

Cleft palates can be detected during pregnancy even before the birth of a baby. In this test, ultrasound is performed during the second trimester. Sometimes, cleft palate is not detected during ultrasound and is diagnosed after the delivery.

Physical Examination at Birth

The healthcare provider conducts a detailed physical examination of a newborn to see the severity, location, and size of the cleft palate. The healthcare team diagnoses the cleft palate and plans a treatment according to the severity of the condition.

Feeding Difficulties

The ability of a baby to feed can also provide information on the condition. Feeding difficulties such as difficulties during breastfeeding or bottle feeding may be a sign of a cleft palate. 

Imaging Studies

Some of the imaging tests are performed to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the cleft palate. These can include:
X-rays: X-rays of the head and palate can provide detailed images of the size and shape of clefts present in the roof of the mouth.
CT Scans: Computed tomography (CT) scans may be used for a more detailed view of the cleft palate and involvement of the structures present in the surroundings.

Cost of Cleft Palate Treatment in India

The cost of cleft palate treatment in India ranges from 1500 USD to 2500 USD. The cost can vary according to the severity of the condition. The cost can also vary according to the need for other surgeries such as jaw surgery and orthodontic procedures.

Symptoms and Risk factors

Some of the symptoms and complications related to Cleft Palate are as follows:

• Separation of the roof of the mouth
• Difficulty in breastfeeding
• Nasal regurgitation
• Speech difficulties
• Ear infections
• Dental problems
• Hearing loss
• Feeding problems
• Nasal congestion
• Snoring
• Middle ear infection
• Chronic sinusitis
• Speech delay
• Facial deformities
• Social stigma
• Psychological impact
• Respiratory issues
• Dental deformities
• Articulation disorders
• Swallowing difficulties

Risk Factors of Cleft Palate

Some of the risks related to cleft palate are described below:

Genetic Factors

A cleft palate can occur due to genetic changes and inheritance. It often runs in families and affects every generation of the family.

Environmental Factors

Long-term exposure to some environmental factors during pregnancy such as smoking, alcohol use, or certain medications can also increase the risk of cleft palate.

Medical Conditions

Some of the medical conditions such as high blood sugar levels during pregnancy can also lead to the development of cleft palate.

Folic Acid Deficiency

A deficiency in the vitamin which is known as folic acid is also associated with an increased risk of cleft palate. Deficiency of folic acid leads to many developmental problems.

Family History

A positive family history of cleft palate increases the risk twofold.

Gender

Cleft palate mostly occurs in males so the male population is at risk of developing the disease.

Maternal Smoking

Pregnant women who smoke cigarettes have a higher risk of having a baby with cleft palate.

Medication Use

Some specific medications increase the risk of cleft palate in babies. For this reason, some medications are contraindicated in pregnancy.

Maternal Obesity

Excess weight during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of cleft palate.

Advanced Maternal Age

Older mothers may have a slightly higher risk of having a baby with cleft palate.

Nutritional Factors

Poor nutrition during pregnancy can lead to many developmental disorders which also include cleft palate.