At the time of birth a baby will be closely examined by the midwife or doctor to assess it's health. Pierre Robin Syndrome or more accurately Sequence is a congenital disorder that is diagnosed during a thorough physical examination. In many cases this condition will be found immediately following birth. The name for this condition comes from a French physician, who in 1923, found the correlation between a small lower jaw and breathing problems in infants. It is pronounced Pierre, just like the name and Robin sounds like Ro-ban. Although commonly referred to as a syndrome, it is more accurately described as sequence, because it is a sequence of events that lead up to the condition. The three identifiable characteristics of Pierre Robin Sequence (Syndrome) are discussed below.
Instructions
1. The first noticeable feature of Pierre Robin Sequence is a small lower jaw. The chin recedes significantly and the jaw is placed unusually far back in the throat. This particular feature tends to get better over time as the jaw grows to a more normal size as the child develops.
2. Another characteristic of this condition is how the tongue lies way back in the mouth. The tongue often falls back obstructing the infant's airway. This causes breathing problems which are common in infants with Pierre Robin Sequence. When crying the airway is open, but when relaxed or sleeping, the tongue can fall back into the airway. It's important not to place an infant with this condition on her back to sleep. Placing her on her stomach allows the tongue to fall forward and not block her airway. In many cases, this will resolve itself as the jaw grows to a more normal size and allows room for the tongue in the mouth.
3. An abnormal opening in the roof of the mouth also known as cleft palate is a third characteristic in infants with this condition. Most babies with this condition will have problems with feedings, and in the beginning a g-tube may be used to ensure they are getting the nourishment they need and gaining a sufficient amount of weight. There are special nipples for bottles available for babies with cleft palates. Later on surgery will probably be done to close this opening which will help with the speech of the child as it can be delayed or impaired because of the cleft palate.
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