Micrognathia: The Disorder and Its Origin

by

Dinna L

Micrognathia, also known as micrognathism or mandibular hypoplasia, is a term that means small jaw . It comes from the Greek word micros meaning small, and gnathos which means jaw.

This physiological abnormality is characterized by an unusual small size of the jaw. The disorder can be seen as early as childbirth. During the first few years of the infant, there will be difficulty during the feeding process. As a solution for feeding problems, specially made feeding bottles are utilized to ensure the health of the infant, as well as feeding techniques done by healthcare professionals.

The primary signs and symptoms of micrognathia is the difficulty experienced during feeding and the small size of the jaw. Parents are advised to immediately consult healthcare professionals when these signs and symptoms occur, and become more evident especially as the child grows older.

The disorder is sometimes accompanied by a series of other disorders, like the Pierre Robin Sequence. In this condition, because of an abnormally undersized jaw, the development of the palate will be hindered, thus, this may result to a cleft palate. When the condition gets really severe, polyhydramnios may develop. The infant may also experience difficulty in swallowing and choking.

Micrognathia involves the retraction of the tongue, causing obstruction in the upper digestive tract. In severe cases, there can be auditory malfunctions, leading healthcare providers to adhere to intubation to preventing the inability of the infant to breathe properly because of the obstruction. In addition to this, the occurrence of mental retardation is also common. This is due to the tongue obstruction and inefficient oxygenation in the body.

Micrognathia can also become a part of some disorders, which include trisomy 13 as well as trisomy 18. Even though the infant has been born with micrognathia, the effects of the disorder will fade s the jaw gets bigger.

The most common cause of this disorder is through inheritance of a defective chromosome or genes, termed as autosomal dominant inheritance.

Diagnostic tests done to determine the presence of micrognathia include carrier testing, fetal ultrasound, dental and skull x-rays.

Dinna Lewis have been a business woman for about 3 years now and it\’s not that easy. She\’s been a through lot of hardships and trials but still remained strong through all the things that thought her lessons in life.

Micrognathia

and other health related products is one of her many interests.

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