Does a child's pectus excavatum need treatment?

Children with pectus excavatum need treatment, and whether treatment is needed depends on the severity of the condition and the symptoms. Mild pectus excavatum may not require special treatment, but moderate to severe pectus excavatum may affect cardiopulmonary function and require timely intervention. Treatment methods include observation, physical therapy, surgical correction, etc.

1. Causes of pectus excavatum

Pectus excavatum is a chest wall deformity characterized by an inward depression of the sternum. It may be related to genetics, environmental factors, and abnormal physiological development. Genetic factors are one of the main causes. Children with a family history of pectus excavatum are at higher risk. Environmental factors such as malnutrition or infection during pregnancy may also affect the development of the fetal sternum. In terms of physiological factors, the uncoordinated growth of the sternum and ribs may lead to depression. Trauma or certain diseases such as Marfan syndrome may also cause pectus excavatum.

2. Treatment of pectus excavatum

Observation and monitoring: For children with mild pectus excavatum and no obvious symptoms, the doctor may recommend regular observation to monitor whether the sternal retraction worsens or affects cardiopulmonary function.

Physical therapy: Specific breathing exercises and chest muscle exercises can improve the shape of the chest and strengthen the muscles. For example, deep breathing exercises, chest expansion exercises, and exercise such as swimming can help relieve symptoms.

Surgical treatment: For moderate to severe pectus excavatum or conditions that affect cardiopulmonary function, surgery is the main treatment. Common surgeries include minimally invasive correction by Nuss surgery and traditional open-chest correction by Ravitch surgery. Nuss surgery lifts the sunken sternum by implanting a metal stent, while Ravitch surgery corrects by removing part of the ribs and sternum.

3. Daily care and precautions

Diet adjustment: Ensure that children take in enough protein, calcium and vitamin D to promote healthy bone development. Eat more nutritious foods such as milk, eggs, and fish.

Psychological support: Pectus excavatum may affect children's self-confidence. Parents should provide psychological counseling to help children develop a positive attitude.

Regular follow-up: Regardless of whether surgery is performed or not, regular follow-up should be performed to evaluate the development of the sternum and the effectiveness of treatment.

Treatment of pectus excavatum in children requires a personalized plan based on the specific situation. Mild patients can be improved through physical therapy and daily care, while moderate to severe patients need to consider surgical correction. Parents should pay close attention to their children's chest development and seek medical treatment in time to ensure their children's healthy growth.