Chest deformity is also known as funnel chest or pectus excavatum. It is more common in men than women. If not treated early, it can cause symptoms that affect heart and lung function, as well as psychological effects on parents and children.
Congenital chest deformities can cause cardiopulmonary compression.
Congenital thoracic deformity is a congenital chest deformity caused by abnormal development of some ribs and sternum, causing the chest to become concave. This deformity can be detected at birth or during puberty, most often detected at birth.
This is an abnormal development of the sternum and ribs inward, causing a sunken chest. The disease can cause compression of the heart and lungs, limit physical activity, cause weakness and affect the child's psychological development. The disease can be associated with deformities and scoliosis, usually mild.
Congenital thoracic deformity is caused by excessive or unbalanced growth of the lower rib cartilages, pushing the sternum backward, creating a sudden and deep curvature of the sternum just before the junction with the sphenoid process. Children are often diagnosed with thoracic deformity immediately after birth or when they reach puberty. Most cases are detected immediately after birth.
The disease progresses over time, becoming apparent during puberty when bones are at their strongest. The disease runs in families, with siblings or fathers and sons both affected.
Congenital chest deformity is due to abnormal development of the sternum and costal cartilages causing the chest to sink deeply into the pit.
How to detect congenital chest deformities
Most mild to moderate cases will not have symptoms of cardiopulmonary compression and will not cause symptoms. With more severe levels, common symptoms include: Chest pain, frequent fatigue, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat.
When children are too active, it causes limited physical activity, making them more tired and short of breath than their peers.
Thin, malnourished body, combined with sunken chest causes poor aesthetic condition.
Treatment of congenital chest deformities
The main treatment for congenital chest deformities today is surgery. Severe cases of chest deformities that affect heart and lung function or are combined with congenital heart defects should be treated early. The best age for treatment is usually between 7 and 15 years old. Older patients can still have surgery but it is more difficult. If surgery is performed too early, the bones will not be fully developed. On the contrary, if treatment is performed too late when the skeleton has formed, the patient will be in a lot of pain.
Indications for surgery include one of the following factors:
- Symptoms of cardiopulmonary compression: Shortness of breath, chest tightness, limited physical activity.
- Aesthetic factors: Pectus dimpling does not cause symptoms but is aesthetically unpleasing.
- Psychological factors: Children are self-conscious and afraid to interact with people.
- Index to assess the severity of chest deformity.
For children with mild to moderate chest deformities who are not yet candidates for surgery, doctors will prescribe physical therapy. Exercises can help improve the shape of the chest and reduce discomfort under the guidance of a physical therapist.
Regular physical activity can also be helpful for mild cases of thoracic deformity. Note that children need to choose age-appropriate sports and should not overdo it.
Summary : Congenital chest deformities are caused by abnormal development of the sternum and rib cartilages, causing the chest to sink into a deep pit. If left untreated, chest deformities can cause pain problems due to bone deformation, muscle tension or heart and lung compression, affecting physical activity. Therefore, early detection and timely treatment are extremely important. Parents should take their children to see a doctor early if there are signs of suspicion.
Dr. Tran Anh Tuan
Source: https://giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn/can-phat-hien-som-di-dang-long-nguc-bam-sinh-172241121113519428.htm
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