How to correct pigeon chest in children

Written by Luo Peng
Thoracic Surgery
Updated on September 28, 2024
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Treatment should be decided based on the specific condition of the child's pigeon chest. For mild to moderate pigeon chest, especially in children, where there is no compression on the heart and lungs, conservative treatment should generally be considered. The best method for correction is to pay attention to posture and engage in appropriate physical exercise. Additionally, a thoracic orthotic can be used; the effects of wearing a thoracic orthotic for correcting mild to moderate pigeon chest are generally quite positive. For severe pigeon chest, particularly when there is compression affecting the heart and lungs and thus impacting cardiac and pulmonary function, surgical treatment should be considered to correct the severe pigeon chest.

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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.

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What should be done about pigeon chest in children?

Childhood pigeon chest, also known as rickets, is caused by a deficiency in Vitamin D or calcium, leading to bone development issues. If pigeon chest is suspected, it is advised to visit a hospital for a detailed examination and receive treatment accordingly. If the pigeon chest is quite pronounced and there is significant deformity of the chest wall, rehabilitation or correction can be sought in relevant medical departments. Rickets is typically active before the age of 3, and stabilizes after this age. Treatment primarily focuses on addressing rickets in cases identified before the age of 3, and correcting deformities in cases identified afterwards.

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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.

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Will chicken breast caused by calcium deficiency improve after calcium supplementation?

Children lacking Vitamin D can manifest various symptoms of rickets due to calcium deficiency, including pigeon chest, beading of the ribs, X-shaped legs, O-shaped legs, and square skull. As long as these are identified early, by supplementing with Vitamin D and calcium and ensuring comprehensive nutrition, children can return to normal growth and development. With age and appropriate physical exercise, these skeletal abnormalities can gradually improve and generally do not leave lasting effects.

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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.