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Bifid uvula: causes and consequences

by Alivia Nyhan
Published: Last Updated on

The uvula is the fleshy organ that looks like a bell and is located at the point of origin of the tongue, more specifically, at the posterior border called the lobe, and hanging in the center of the palate, near the tonsils and the epiglottis. The uvula is made up of connective tissues and a large number of racemose glands and some muscle fibers.

The uvula plays a very important role in the articulation of sounds and it is essential that you take some care, since it is a very sensitive organ that is usually prone to some alterations. For example, it may have a split or indentation in the middle of the uvula. If you want to know more about this alteration, at FastlyHealwe offer you all the information about uvula bifida: causes and consequences .

Cause of bifid uvula

Bifid uvula is an embryopathy, that is, a disease suffered by the embryo, which makes its appearance between the 7th and 12th week of pregnancy. This is developed by a failure that occurs in the fusion of the palatal processes, which usually begins with the hard palate, then the soft palate and finally the uvula.

The cause of the bifid uvula during pregnancy may be due to genetic, toxic and environmental factors . At birth, the child may appear to have 2 bluebells in his throat, so it is important that a doctor is aware of everything.

Consequences of having a cleft uvula

The bifid uvula can present from a simple notch and not look much different from a normal uvula, to a complete duplication of the uvula, in which it seems that you have two instead of one.

Although this disorder usually appears in isolation and does not usually generate problems, in some cases, those born with bifid uvula begin to speak with a nasal voice , a disorder known as rhinolalia, which makes it essential that you take your child to the pediatrician so that can carry out the corresponding studies and can offer you the best treatment.

On the other hand, if your child is born with bifid uvula but does not present any clinical manifestation, he does not need to undergo any type of treatment and it is considered, simply, as a genetic trait. In these cases it is called isolated bifid uvula.

How to identify bifid uvula

The syndrome called uvula bifida is closely associated with a condition called submucosal cleft palate . This disorder is more common in those who have a cleft palate or lip .

If you or someone in your family has nasal speech, they will likely have to undergo different check-ups to see if it is bifid uvula, which is probably accompanied by a cleft submucosal palate. You can feel this by touch, as it is a fairly thin strip of lining in the center, located specifically on the edge of the roof of the mouth.

In children, this may not be seen as easily, so other tests such as x-rays and nasopharyngoscopy are required. On the other hand, it can happen that a swelling or infection occurs in the uvula, which requires medical attention.

Treatment for bifid uvula

When it comes to a bifid uvula that requires treatment, the specialist will choose the best for each case. If your child usually suffers more infections than usual, both in the throat and in the ears, it may be due to this disorder in the uvula and the doctor will give him antibiotics.

It is important for the child who has speech problems due to bifida uvula to go to different therapies and, in case of not being able to advance, it may be necessary to undergo surgery. During it, different processes can be carried out, including:

  • Insertion to help speak better.
  • Place an artifact in the mouth to improve the problem of the palate.
  • Reconstruct abnormal tissues.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Uvula bifida: causes and consequences , we recommend that you enter our Teeth and mouth category .

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