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 Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
1min 8sec home-news-image

What does chicken breast mean?

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 Mo Ming Hua
Pediatrics
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The difference between rickets and pigeon chest.

The difference between rickets and pigeon chest: Pigeon chest is a symptom of rickets; rickets is mainly caused by a lack of vitamin D and calcium, leading to disorders in calcium and phosphorus metabolism. During the acute phase of rickets, when skeletal changes occur, this condition can easily cause deformities in the patient's chest. The pigeon chest deformity is one of the symptoms of rickets. That is to say, pigeon chest is a symptom of rickets, not a disease itself.

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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.

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Written by Luo Peng
Thoracic Surgery
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Causes of pectus carinatum in children

The causes of pigeon chest in children mainly include two aspects, one is congenital and the other is acquired. Among them, congenital pigeon chest and funnel chest both involve hereditary factors. Additionally, if the central attachment point of the diaphragm in a child is underdeveloped, it can also cause pigeon chest, which is also a congenital cause. Moreover, the acquired causes mainly include malnutrition and some specific thoracic diseases. Malnutrition is often related to rickets. Acquired thoracic diseases involve some diseases of the thoracic cavity, for example, pyothorax leading to flat chest, chest wall deformity, as well as some congenital heart diseases, heart enlargement, which then compresses the sternum causing it.

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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.