Late-stage symptoms of rickets pigeon chest

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on September 29, 2024
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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.

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Written by Zhang Zhi Gong
Cardiothoracic Surgery
1min 8sec home-news-image

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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Can moderate pigeon chest in children be corrected?

Can mild pectus carinatum in children be corrected? Pectus carinatum, commonly known as pigeon chest, is the second most common chest deformity encountered, after funnel chest. As the name suggests, pigeon chest refers to a protrusion of the sternum in the center, similar to the chest of a chicken or pigeon, where the sternum protrudes forward. This protrusion, to draw an analogy, is like a tree. This young sapling has already grown crooked. You cannot straighten it by fertilizing or any other means. Correction is only possible through procedures such as orthotic braces or compression, or more directly and effectively through surgical intervention. Surgery is the most straightforward and immediately impactful treatment method.

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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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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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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.