2023-07-06 20:42:10
Cleft lip and cleft palate are common birth defects that affect children around the world. These conditions occur when the facial tissues of the fetus do not fuse completely during pregnancy, resulting in an opening or cleft in the upper lip or the roof of the mouth, or both. These conditions can have a significant impact on a child’s ability to communicate, eat, and hear properly.
To address the latest developments and treatment methods for cleft lip and cleft palate, the Jeddah Center for Speech and Hearing held its 22nd annual conference during the International Month of Awareness of Speech, Language, and Hearing Disorders. The conference included panel discussions led by experts in the field, focusing on various communication disorders and how to approach them from a multidisciplinary perspective.
Dr. Nahla Ahmed Al-Dashash, a Speech Disorders Consultant and Fellow of the American Speech, Language, and Hearing Organization, spoke about the definition of communication disorders and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in their treatment. Communication disorders can include speech, language, and voice disorders, as well as neurological and learning difficulties related to language. These disorders can have various causes and effects on a person’s senses and biological functions, making an integrated approach crucial for effective treatment.
Cleft lip and cleft palate were among the topics discussed during the conference. Dr. Nahla El-Dashash explained that these conditions occur early in pregnancy when the baby’s lips form between 4 and 7 weeks of gestation, and the palate forms between 6 and 9 weeks of gestation. While the exact causes are not always known, they can be associated with genetic conditions or occur as separate birth defects. Cleft lip and cleft palate can result in difficulties with breastfeeding, eating, speaking, nasal issues, and even hearing impairment.
Treating a child with cleft lip or cleft palate requires a multidisciplinary team of experts, including pediatricians, otolaryngologists, plastic and reconstructive surgeons, dentists, speech and language specialists, audiologists, genetics consultants, and social workers. Each specialist plays a role at different stages of the child’s development, from evaluating and treating airway and feeding problems to performing surgical interventions and providing speech and language therapy.
During the panel discussion, the team emphasized the need for specialized professionals to treat cleft lip and cleft palate due to the sensitivity of the condition. They highlighted the importance of collaboration between team members to ensure comprehensive and effective treatment. The dentist may start orthodontic intervention from infancy, the speech and language therapist assists with feeding and evaluates speech problems, and the plastic and reconstructive surgeon performs surgeries to correct the cleft lip and palate.
Overall, the conference shed light on the latest developments and treatment methods for communication disorders, specifically focusing on cleft lip and cleft palate. By bringing together experts from various disciplines, the goal is to provide the best quality of integrated treatment for individuals with communication disorders, improving their quality of life and that of their families.]
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