Subscribe
Pectus excavatum
The differences between funnel chest and pigeon chest
Pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum are both types of chest wall deformities. Pectus excavatum is the most common form of chest wall deformity, accounting for over 90% of all anterior chest wall deformities, whereas pectus carinatum occurs much less frequently, roughly one-fifth the incidence of pectus excavatum. The main and most apparent difference is that, as the name suggests, pectus excavatum looks as if a funnel were placed in the chest, with the funnel pointing downwards and backwards. Thus, in patients or children with pectus excavatum, the sternum is indented inward and backward, pressing directly towards the spine. This indentation can compress the heart and lungs, potentially distorting and even displacing the heart to one side. In contrast, pectus carinatum involves the sternum protruding outward, resembling the chest of a chicken or a pigeon. Pectus excavatum is characterized by a backward indentation, while pectus carinatum protrudes forward—this is the most direct distinction.
Can eating chicken breast help with weight loss?
During weight loss, if liver and kidney functions are normal, we can recommend a high-protein diet to our patients. This type of diet is characterized by a noticeable weight loss effect. In the high-protein diet, it is required that patients should opt for high-protein foods more frequently and whey protein can be added if necessary. Among high-protein foods, we recommend that patients use skinless chicken breast because it is rich in leucine, which is beneficial for fat reduction and muscle gain, thus it should be chosen more often during weight loss. During weight loss, it is also important to ensure a balanced diet and variety in food choices. We also suggest that patients can incorporate whole grains, skim milk, boiled eggs, lean beef, steamed fish, beans and their products, fresh green leafy vegetables, and low-sugar fruits, among others. Additionally, forming a good habit of exercising is essential to maintain an ideal weight.
How to treat pectus carinatum?
Pectus carinatum, commonly known as pigeon chest, is a typical chest deformity characterized by a protruding sternum. There are various causes for pigeon chest, such as rickets due to vitamin D deficiency, and some hereditary metabolic diseases may also lead to bone development malformations like pigeon chest. If pigeon chest is caused by rickets, it is necessary to supplement adequate vitamin D, engage in appropriate outdoor activities, and receive sufficient exposure to ultraviolet light. Additionally, mild cases of pigeon chest can be treated with pediatric rehabilitation using active or passive methods for correction. In severe cases of chest deformity, surgical correction may be required. Generally, there are no effective solutions for hereditary diseases, and treatment mainly focuses on managing the symptoms accordingly. Therefore, if a child is suspected of having pigeon chest, it is advised to consult a specialist at a hospital to assess the child's condition and provide corresponding treatment.
Symptoms of pigeon chest in children
Most cases of pectus carinatum in children are quite clear and often show no symptoms. Visually, the child's chest will protrude forward. In some severe cases, pectus carinatum can cause compression of pulmonary edema, thereby affecting the child's cardiopulmonary function, resulting in poor physical stamina, symptoms like chest tightness, palpitations, and shortness of breath after activities. However, in most cases, patients with pectus carinatum may not show any symptoms, with only visible changes in appearance.
Causes of pectus carinatum in children
The causes of pigeon chest in children mainly include two aspects, one is congenital and the other is acquired. Among them, congenital pigeon chest and funnel chest both involve hereditary factors. Additionally, if the central attachment point of the diaphragm in a child is underdeveloped, it can also cause pigeon chest, which is also a congenital cause. Moreover, the acquired causes mainly include malnutrition and some specific thoracic diseases. Malnutrition is often related to rickets. Acquired thoracic diseases involve some diseases of the thoracic cavity, for example, pyothorax leading to flat chest, chest wall deformity, as well as some congenital heart diseases, heart enlargement, which then compresses the sternum causing it.
The difference between rib flare and pigeon chest
The main difference between rib flaring and pigeon chest is that the former is caused by soft tissue pathology around the thoracic cage, while the latter is due to a bony deformity of the thoracic cage. Patients with rib flaring often have very thin muscles around the thoracic cage due to poor posture, such as excessive abdominal tucking or long-term dieting, which leads to a very prominent thoracic cage when standing. Pigeon chest, on the other hand, is due to severe malnutrition during the patient's growth and development phase, which leads to the anteroposterior diameter of the thoracic cage being larger relative to the mediolateral diameter. In this case, the patient will exhibit a noticeably protruding thoracic cage, especially at the front.
How to recover from pigeon chest in children?
Childhood pectus carinatum is a common clinical condition, primarily caused by a deficiency in vitamin D leading to metabolic bone disease. Its characteristics are mainly manifested by the protrusion of the sternum and flattening of the chest walls on both sides. There are several treatment methods available: First, supplement children with calcium tablets and vitamin D, promptly administer these medications, and encourage exposure to sunlight and outdoor activities during the growth process, which is beneficial for bone calcium absorption. Additionally, the child should wear a brace specifically for pectus carinatum. The brace compresses the chest cavity, causing it to protrude upward. After wearing the brace for a period, the protruding chest can show improvement. If previous treatment methods are ineffective and severe sternal deformities still occur, surgical treatment at a specialized hospital may be necessary. In daily life, the child should be cautious about their posture and body position, avoiding rolling, bending, and similar actions as much as possible to facilitate a quicker recovery.
Treatment methods for pigeon chest in children
When discussing treatment methods for children with pectus carinatum, it's important to consider the severity of the condition. Generally, mild to moderate cases do not require special treatment. For children under 18, most can wear a chest orthosis to correct the condition. Many people achieve good results after wearing it. However, some severe cases of pectus carinatum may compress the heart and lungs, causing cardiopulmonary dysfunction, and surgical treatment should be considered. Current surgical methods for pectus carinatum are minimally invasive, and generally, patients recover well postoperatively. Therefore, the treatment method for pectus carinatum should be determined based on the actual situation.
Difference between funnel chest and pigeon chest
Pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum are both types of deformities of the anterior chest wall, with pectus excavatum being the most common deformity, accounting for 90% of all anterior chest wall deformities; the incidence of pectus carinatum is only one-fifth to one-sixth of that of pectus excavatum. The shapes of pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum are also completely different. Pectus excavatum appears as if a funnel were placed on the chest, with the funnel receding backward and downward. Therefore, patients with pectus excavatum, when lying down, can observe a depression in the front of their chest, which is even capable of holding a cup of water placed within this funnel-like depression. On the other hand, the deformity in pectus carinatum protrudes forward. One caves inward while the other protrudes forward, thus these two shapes are completely opposite.
How to correct pigeon chest
Pectus carinatum, commonly known as pigeon chest, is a frequent chest wall deformity characterized by a protrusion of the sternum and ribs. It is generally considered to be related to genetics, with most cases thought to be caused by the excessive growth of the ribs and costal cartilages. The skeletal deformation is secondary to the abnormalities in the ribs. Vitamin D deficiency rickets can also lead to the development of pigeon chest. If there is no significant deformation of the chest wall, and only a mild deformity is present, rehabilitative treatment can be effective. Rehabilitation departments offer standard recovery treatments that can be beneficial. Severe cases of pigeon chest may require surgical correction, ideally during adolescence for moderate to severe conditions. Therefore, if a child has pigeon chest, it is recommended to seek medical advice at a hospital, where doctors can determine the treatment approach based on the specific conditions of the child.