Pectus Excavatum

Pectus excavatum is a condition where a person's breastbone (the flat bone in the center of their chest) is pushed inward, creating a sunken appearance. Imagine a slight or deep dip in the middle of the chest; that's what pectus excavatum can look like. Sometimes, it's quite noticeable right after a baby is born, but the condition often becomes more noticeable during a child's growth spurt, especially during puberty. This is when the inward push on the breastbone is more likely to become pronounced.

This condition is sometimes called "funnel chest" because of the shape it creates. It's more common in boys than girls. While a mild case might not cause problems, a severe case can affect how well the heart and lungs work. This is because the inward pushing of the breastbone can restrict the space available for these vital organs. Even if the condition doesn't directly affect the heart and lungs, it can make a child feel self-conscious about their appearance, potentially impacting their self-esteem and confidence.

Fortunately, surgery is a common and effective way to correct the deformity in pectus excavatum. The surgery aims to reposition the breastbone and restore a more normal chest shape.

Many people with pectus excavatum, a condition where the breastbone is sunken inward, might only notice a slight dip in their chest. For some, this indentation gets deeper during the early teen years and can even continue to deepen into adulthood. In serious cases, the sunken breastbone can put pressure on the lungs and heart. This can lead to a number of noticeable issues, including:

• Less ability to exercise: People with severe pectus excavatum often find it harder to do physical activities.
• Fast heartbeat or fluttering in the chest: A rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations) is a possible symptom.
• Frequent lung infections: The pressure on the chest can make a person more susceptible to colds, bronchitis, and other respiratory illnesses.
• Wheezing or coughing: These are signs that breathing is difficult and can be a recurring problem.
• Chest pain: Pressure on the heart and lungs can cause discomfort in the chest area.
• A heart murmur: A heart murmur is an unusual sound heard during a heartbeat, and can be a sign of problems with the heart's valves or chambers. This is often detected by a doctor during a physical exam.
• Feeling tired all the time (fatigue): The body may struggle to get enough oxygen due to the compressed chest cavity.
• Lightheadedness or dizziness: Reduced blood flow to the brain due to the pressure on the heart can cause dizziness or lightheadedness.

These symptoms can vary in severity depending on the degree of the chest indentation. If you're concerned about these symptoms, it's crucial to talk to a doctor.

Pectus excavatum, a condition where the chest caves in, often appears in families. This suggests a possible genetic link, although the precise reason why it happens isn't fully understood. In other words, while we don't know for sure what causes it, the fact that it sometimes appears in multiple members of a family points to a potential role for inherited factors.

Pectus excavatum, a condition where the chest caves inward, is more frequently seen in boys than girls. This condition is sometimes linked to other health issues. People with pectus excavatum are more likely to also have certain genetic conditions, including:

• Marfan syndrome: This condition affects connective tissues throughout the body, and can lead to various skeletal and other problems.
• Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: Another connective tissue disorder, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can cause problems with joints, skin, and other tissues.
• Osteogenesis imperfecta: This is a genetic condition that affects bone formation, making bones weaker and more prone to fractures.
• Noonan syndrome: This genetic condition can cause a range of developmental issues, including heart problems, facial features, and skeletal issues.
• Turner syndrome: A genetic condition affecting females, Turner syndrome can lead to a variety of physical and developmental differences, including skeletal characteristics.

In short, having pectus excavatum might be a sign that someone also has one of these related genetic conditions. If a person has pectus excavatum, their doctor might look for signs of these other conditions.

People with pectus excavatum, a condition where their chest caves in, often have a posture where they lean forward. Their ribs might stick out, and their shoulder blades might be more prominent. This can make them self-conscious, leading them to avoid activities where their chest is visible, like swimming. They might also choose clothes that don't draw attention to the indentation in their chests.

Pectus excavatum, a condition where the chest caves in, is often diagnosed just by looking at the chest. Your doctor might also order some tests to check if there are any related problems with the heart or lungs. These tests can include:

• Chest X-ray: This picture of your chest helps show the sunken area in your breastbone. Often, the X-ray also shows the heart shifted slightly to the left side of your chest. X-rays are quick, painless, and use a small amount of radiation.

• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): This test checks the electrical signals that control your heartbeat. It shows if the heartbeat rhythm is normal or irregular. Small sticky pads (electrodes) are placed on your skin to measure these electrical signals. The test is painless and takes only a few minutes.

• Lung Function Tests: These tests measure how much air your lungs can hold and how quickly they can release that air. Different lung function tests exist, but they all help assess the overall health and capacity of your lungs.

• Exercise Stress Test: This test evaluates how well your heart and lungs work during physical activity. It usually involves exercising on a stationary bike or treadmill while your heart rate and breathing are monitored. The test helps assess if your heart can handle the added strain of exercise.