In this article
- A cleft palate may also be present
- Feeding and nasal form may be affected
- A multidisciplinary cleft team is important
Assessment and treatment
- Newborn assessment and feeding support
- Planned surgical repair
- Hearing, dental, speech and growth follow-up
At a glance
Definition: Cleft lip occurs when the upper lip does not fully join during development and may affect one or both sides.
Key takeaways
- A cleft palate may also be present
- Feeding and nasal form may be affected
- A multidisciplinary cleft team is important
Clinical steps
- Newborn assessment and feeding support
- Planned surgical repair
- Hearing, dental, speech and growth follow-up
Red flags: Prompt cleft/paediatric support is needed if a newborn cannot feed adequately or has breathing difficulty.
Quick FAQ: When should I see an ENT specialist?
Prompt cleft/paediatric support is needed if a newborn cannot feed adequately or has breathing difficulty.
How I assess this in clinic
I first clarify duration, severity, whether symptoms are one-sided or bilateral, and their effect on daily life. I then perform a focused ENT examination and compare the findings with a cleft palate may also be present.
Endoscopy or audiometry is not required for everyone. I advise endoscopy when the nose, sinus, throat or voice box needs direct assessment, and audiometry/tympanometry when hearing or middle-ear function is in question.
A common misconception is that every ENT problem needs an antibiotic or an operation. Treatment should instead follow the diagnosis, functional impact, examination findings and evidence-based indications.
Do not wait when: Prompt cleft/paediatric support is needed if a newborn cannot feed adequately or has breathing difficulty.
For patient education; not a substitute for individual diagnosis or treatment.