Symptoms of pectus excavatum in children

Pectus excavatum is a common chest deformity in children and should be treated promptly. Pectus excavatum is a depression of the sternum and costal cartilages that is usually visible after birth, but in some cases may develop gradually after early childhood. The main symptoms include a depression in the center of the chest, asymmetry of the chest, mild breathing difficulties, or low exercise tolerance. Mild cases of pectus excavatum are often only visible visually, but severe cases may affect heart and lung function.

Usually, pectus excavatum is caused by a sunken sternum and deformed ribs, mainly due to genetic factors and abnormal development during growth. Children with pectus excavatum may face psychological distress due to their unusual physical appearance, which may also have an impact on the child's mental health. As the child grows, the symptoms may worsen, affecting normal breathing and heart function.

If your child has symptoms of pectus excavatum, it is vital to be evaluated by a professional doctor as soon as possible. The doctor may recommend a physical examination and imaging tests, such as a chest X-ray or CT scan, to understand the extent of the deformity. For mild symptoms, observation and regular follow-up may be appropriate. If cardiopulmonary function is affected, the doctor may recommend surgical treatment, such as thoracoplasty (Nuss procedure or Ravitch procedure), to correct the chest and improve function. Encouraging children to engage in moderate physical exercise can help strengthen the chest and lung capacity, and should be done under professional guidance.

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