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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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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How to determine if a baby has pigeon chest

Pectus carinatum, commonly referred to as pigeon chest, is a manifestation of the skeletal sequelae of rickets in children, where the sternum protrudes outward. To examine for pigeon chest, one commonly uses the hand to feel from top to bottom; if the sternum is noticeably protruding from the surface, then pigeon chest may be considered. This condition is a sequelae caused by a deficiency of Vitamin D. If this is the case, it is essential to visit a pediatric care, growth and development, or general pediatric outpatient clinic, where a pediatrician can confirm the diagnosis. If pigeon chest is confirmed, blood tests to measure Vitamin D levels should be conducted for infants. For older children, appropriate calcium supplementation and exercises to expand the chest should also be considered.

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Written by Fang Da Zheng
Orthopedics
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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.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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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.

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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 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.