How to correct pigeon chest

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on August 31, 2024
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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.

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Written by Li Zheng
Nutrition Science
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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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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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The difference between pigeon chest and funnel chest

Pigeon chest is a common thoracic deformity characterized by a protruding sternum, generally believed to be related to genetics, and most consider it caused by excessive growth of the ribs and costal cartilage. The deformity of the sternum is secondary to the deformity of the ribs. Funnel chest, on the other hand, refers to the inward concavity of the lower part of the sternum, along with the neighboring ribs and costal cartilages, forming a funnel-like appearance, a type of congenital thoracic deformity more common in males than females. The etiology of funnel chest is relatively complex; it might involve the gradual worsening of the sternum being pulled at various levels during growth and development. It could also be due to excessive growth of the ribs on both sides, pressing the sternum backward, leading to the formation of funnel chest. Some also consider it a sex-linked dominant hereditary disease. The thoracic deformity in pigeon chest primarily protrudes outward, whereas in funnel chest, it concaves inward, and the causes are also different.

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Written by Zhang Zhi Gong
Cardiothoracic Surgery
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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.

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Written by Zhang Zhi Gong
Cardiothoracic Surgery
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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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Written by Luo Peng
Thoracic Surgery
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What department should I go to at the children's hospital for chickenpox?

If children have pectus carinatum and need treatment, it is necessary to check if the children's hospital has a specialized thoracic surgery department. If there is a pediatric thoracic surgery department, one can make an appointment there. Generally, for mild cases of pectus carinatum, children do not need surgery and can undergo conservative treatment, such as having a custom chest orthosis made. Wearing the chest orthosis can correct the condition. If the pectus carinatum is severe, and the child is over four years old, then surgery can be considered in the thoracic surgery department. Therefore, for pectus carinatum, appointments need to be made with the thoracic surgery department at a children's hospital.