What are the symptoms of pectus excavatum in children?

The main symptoms of pectus excavatum in children include inward depression of the center of the sternum. In severe cases, breathing difficulties and abnormal heartbeat may occur. Parents need to observe and seek medical attention in time. Mild cases usually do not affect health, while severe pectus excavatum may involve abnormal cardiopulmonary function and require medical intervention.

1) Physiological manifestations

The most typical feature of pectus excavatum in children is the inward depression of the lower sternum and the left and right rib areas, which is shaped like a "funnel". As growth and development accelerate, the depression may become more obvious, especially around puberty. Some patients may also have slight crooked shoulders or spine due to abnormal chest structure, but these symptoms usually have little effect on the appearance and basic functions of the body. Parents should observe their children's body shape regularly and take X-rays to confirm if there are obvious changes.

2) Abnormal respiratory and cardiac function

Severe pectus excavatum may compress the heart and lungs, causing difficulty breathing and accelerated heartbeat. Children may become easily tired, breathless, or even have chest tightness and pain after activities. If not intervened in time, it may affect the development of the heart and lungs. It is recommended that a thoracic surgeon perform respiratory function and cardiac ultrasound examinations after diagnosis to assess the severity of the disease.

3) Athletic ability and psychological impact

Some children with pectus excavatum have reduced athletic ability, especially when doing long-distance running, brisk walking and other sports that require good lung capacity. The appearance of a sunken sternum may have an impact on the child's psychology, causing low self-esteem, unwillingness to participate in group activities and other problems. Parents should pay attention to their children's psychological state, communicate and guide them appropriately, and seek help from a psychologist when necessary.

Countermeasures

If the symptoms are mild, they can usually be treated with regular follow-up observation and no special treatment is required. In cases with symptoms or clear impact on cardiopulmonary function, the following intervention methods should be taken:

1. Rehabilitation exercises: Children with mild pectus excavatum can perform spinal stretching and deep breathing exercises every day, such as yoga stretching or plank support, to help strengthen the function of the chest muscles and ligaments.

2. Vacuum cup therapy: For those with more obvious depression, you can try medical devices, such as funnel chest correction cups, which correct the sternum shape through negative pressure, but it must be used under the guidance of a doctor.

3. Surgical treatment: Severe cases may require minimally invasive surgery, such as the Nuss procedure, which uses a sternum correction plate to repair the bone. The postoperative effect is significant, but the recovery period is longer.

Pectus excavatum in children is not a rare disease. Parents should carefully observe their children's body changes, conduct regular check-ups and intervene when necessary to ensure normal development and mental health.