[starman]

Everywhere I go now, I see ads in magazines and on the net for poor kids born with clefts. Since when did this become a problem and why do I need to see ads for it?

[analogue SPRINKLES]

Didn't think it was that big of a problem. Can't they treat that now before the child is even born?

Anyway, I've only ever seen a couple of them in my life and I thought Joaquin Phoenix had one but I just found out now it isn't actually a cleft lip.

[Mithras]

It can be treated shortly after birth, and has been for a long while in rich countries like the U.S. It still often goes untreated in poor countries. I think the main problems it causes are social estrangement (not a small problem!) and maybe speech issues?

[analogue SPRINKLES]

Originally Posted by Mithras 

It can be treated shortly after birth, and has been for a long while in rich countries like the U.S. It still often goes untreated in poor countries. I think the main problems it causes are social estrangement (not a small problem!) and maybe speech issues?

I'd think in poor countries that have a lot more to worry about anyway.

[euchomai]

This is a much bigger issue than just a malformed lip. Many times the separation continues into the roof of the mouth through the sinus cavity.

A child with a cleft lip or palate tends to be more susceptible to colds, hearing loss, and speech defects. Dental problems - such as missing, extra, malformed, or displaced teeth, and cavities - also are common in children born with cleft palate.

Many children with clefts are especially vulnerable to ear infections because their eustachian tubes don't drain fluid properly from the middle ear into the throat. Fluid accumulates, pressure builds in the ears, and infection may set in. For this reason, a child with cleft lip or palate may have special tubes surgically inserted into his or her ears at the time of the first reconstructive surgery.

Feeding can be another complication for an infant with a cleft lip or palate. A cleft lip can make it more difficult for a child to suck on a nipple, while a cleft palate may cause formula or breast milk to be accidentally taken up into the nasal cavity. Special nipples and other devices can help make feeding easier; you will probably be given information on how to use them and where to buy them before you take your baby home from the hospital. And in some cases, a child with a cleft lip or palate may need to wear a prosthetic palate called an obturator to help him or her eat properly.

KidsHealth - the Web's most visited site about children's health

[mac128k-1984]

Originally Posted by starman 

Everywhere I go now, I see ads in magazines and on the net for poor kids born with clefts. Since when did this become a problem and why do I need to see ads for it?

Since it can endanger the child's health, speaking ability and general acceptance into society.