What does chicken breast mean?

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on September 18, 2024
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Pectus carinatum, commonly known as pigeon chest, is a frequent chest wall deformity characterized by a protruding sternum. It can occur similarly to rickets caused by vitamin D deficiency, where an indentation at the junction of the 6th to 8th ribs and the sternum causes the sternum to jut out, forming a pigeon chest. Pigeon chest is generally considered to be linked to genetics and is often caused by excessive growth of the ribs and costal cartilages, leading to deformities in the sternum and subsequently the ribs. Beyond causing psychological distress and affecting personality, pigeon chest can also impact respiratory and circulatory functions. In cases where the condition reaches a particular severity, surgical correction may be necessary. Correction during adolescence is ideal for mild to severe cases of pigeon chest. If parents notice any abnormalities in their child's chest wall, it is advisable to seek medical consultation to determine the need and approach for treatment.

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Written by Hu Xiao Cui
Nutrition Science
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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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Written by Luo Peng
Thoracic Surgery
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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.

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Written by Luo Peng
Thoracic Surgery
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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.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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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.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Late-stage symptoms of rickets pigeon chest

If a child has developed rickets and has already shown deformities such as pigeon chest, this indicates that the child is in the later stages of the active phase, meaning that a clear skeletal deformity has occurred. As the child ages, there may also be deformities in the lower limbs as the child begins to stand and walk, such as bowlegs or knock-knees, or a K-shaped leg deformity. Gradually, the child will enter the sequelae phase, which is more common in children over the age of two. In infancy, due to severe rickets, different skeletal deformities may remain without any other clinical symptoms. Blood biochemical indicators are normal, and X-ray examinations will show that the pathological changes at the epiphyseal ends of the bones have disappeared. Generally, no treatment is required, but if there are obvious deformities, corrective treatment may be necessary.