Giant Foundation and Operation Smile Cleft lip and palate are birth conditions that occur while the baby is still in the womb, approximately between the 4th and 7th week of pregnancy. This complication is not only aesthetic, but affects the well-being of the child in various aspects such as their nutrition, physical and emotional health. Helping children with cleft lip and palate has become the purpose of many organizations and individuals both in Mexico and globally. What is cleft lip and palate? This condition occurs when the tissues that make up the lips and palate do not completely unite, causing an opening that can be small or large. It is important to note that a newborn may have only a cleft palate or lip, and there are some who have both cases. The exact reason for this malformation is unknown, but there are a series of genetic and environmental factors that can influence its appearance: Smoking or drug use during pregnancy. Congenital diseases on the maternal side, such as diabetes.
That the mother has presented malnutrition during pregnancy. Medicines. On average, 1 in every 750 Mexican babies are born with a cleft lip or palate, a rate that positions it as the second most Jordan Mobile Number List recurrent congenital defect in our country. These are the main complications of this condition: Cleft palate causes babies to be unable to suck breast milk well. This can cause the little ones to choke and, by not eating properly, suffer from low weight. Ear infections are common in children with cleft palate, as every liquid they drink has the risk of leaking into their middle ear. This situation can even lead to hearing loss. Tooth development is impaired by the cleft, especially if it extends along the upper gum. Children with cleft palate have speech problems, as it is difficult for them to articulate sounds. The child's self-esteem, emotional health, and social relationships are damaged by this condition due to the stress generated by medical care and the physical differences they perceive in themselves.
Helping children with cleft lip and palate is possible, but it requires general and specialty medical consultations, constant surgical interventions and treatments for several years. If the family does not have the necessary financial resources, it will be almost impossible for the children to recover. However, there are organizations that support children in vulnerable situations and give them the assistance they need. One of the international associations with the greatest recognition and impact on this issue is Operation Smile Mexico , which has ensured that thousands of children receive reconstruction surgeries and rehabilitation therapies throughout their childhood and until they begin their adult lives. Operation Smile México Operation Smile emerged in the United States in 1982 when William and Kathleen Magee, who were respectively plastic surgeons and nurses, traveled to the Philippines as volunteers to help children with cleft lip and palate. From 2006 to 2016, Operation Smile Mexico successfully operated on 3,318 patients in the country.