Why does my son have a sunken chest?
Pectus excavatum (PECK-tuss ex-kuh-VAW-tum) is a condition that causes a child’s chest to look sunken or “caved in.” It happens because of a defect in the tough connective tissue (cartilage) that holds the bony part of the ribs to the breastbone. The cartilage pushes the breastbone (sternum) inward.
What causes concave chests?
Pectus excavatum is a congenital chest wall deformity that is caused by growth abnormality of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone (sternum). This causes a depression of the sternum and the chest has a “sunken in” or “funnel chest” appearance. The condition affects more boys than girls.
Does pectus excavatum get better with age?
After the age of 18 years, the deformity usually does not change anymore. Pectus excavatum is considered to be solely a cosmetic problem, despite the fact that there may be a considerable compression and relocation of thoracic organs. It can, however, lead to serious cardiac symptoms.
Is concave chest hereditary?
While the exact cause of pectus excavatum is unknown, it may be an inherited condition because it sometimes runs in families.
Can you fix a concave chest?
Pectus excavatum can be surgically repaired, but surgery is usually reserved for people who have moderate to severe signs and symptoms. People who have mild signs and symptoms may be helped by physical therapy. Certain exercises can improve posture and increase the degree to which the chest can expand.
How do I know if my child has pectus excavatum?
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Pectus Excavatum?
- problems tolerating exercise.
- limitations with some kinds of physical activities.
- tiredness.
- chest pain.
- a rapid heartbeat or heart palpitations.
- frequent respiratory infections.
- coughing or wheezing.
How do you fix minor pectus excavatum?
Mild pectus excavatum in young patients often can be treated at home with a vacuum bell device. In this nonsurgical approach, the bell device is placed on the chest. It’s connected to a pump that sucks the air out of the device, creating a vacuum that pulls the chest forward.
Can pectus excavatum go away on its own?
Can mild pectus excavatum go away?
Kids with mild pectus excavatum — who aren’t bothered by their appearance and don’t have breathing problems — typically don’t need treatment. In some cases, surgery can treat pectus excavatum.
What does pectus excavatum look like on the chest?
Overview. Pectus excavatum is a condition in which a person’s breastbone is sunken into his or her chest. In severe cases, pectus excavatum can look as if the center of the chest has been scooped out, leaving a deep dent.
Which is a deformity of the chest wall?
Pectus excavatum is a deformity of the chest wall that causes several ribs and the breastbone (sternum) to grow in an inward direction.
What are the symptoms of pectus excavatum in children?
Self-image problems. Children who have pectus excavatum also tend to have a hunched-forward posture, with flared ribs and shoulder blades. Many are so self-conscious about their appearance that they avoid activities, such as swimming, where the indentation in their chests is more difficult to camouflage with clothing.
What happens when your breastbone is sunken into your chest?
Pectus excavatum is a condition in which a person’s breastbone is sunken into his or her chest. Severe cases of pectus excavatum can eventually interfere with the function of the heart and lungs.