A non-life-threatening condition known as pectus carinatum, or “pigeon chest,” is characterized by an abnormally outwardly protruding breastbone brought on by rapid cartilage growth pushing the front of the chest cavity outward.
A diagnosis is typically made between the ages of 11 and 12, though symptoms can occasionally appear as early as birth or in infancy.
In more severe cases, symptoms may also include difficulty breathing during physical activity, recurrent respiratory infections, and asthma. Pectus carinatum frequently results in an asymmetrical chest. For most people, this condition is only an aesthetic concern.
It has an hereditary component and seems to affect boys more frequently than girls, despite the fact that its cause is unknown.
Children whose bones are still developing typically receive treatment for pectus carinatum by wearing a brace, but surgery may be necessary in more severe cases.
Symptoms
Even though Pectus carinatum frequently exhibits no symptoms, when it does, these might be present:
- chest pain
- fatigue
- frequent respiratory infections
- when exercising, having trouble breathing
Body image-related symptoms are the most frequent ones.
Types
Chondrogladiolar prominence pectus carinatum (CG) and chondromanubrial prominence pectus carinatum (CM) are the two types of the condition; CG is more common and easier to treat.
The longer, more flexible ribs, which are easier to correct than the shorter, less flexible ribs in the upper rib cage, are affected in people with CG and the middle and lower areas of the rib cage arch forward.
Because the affected ribs are shorter and less flexible, this type of CM, which typically affects the upper rib cage, is more challenging to treat.
Additionally, the causes and timing of onset of pectus carinatum can be categorized, and these are as follows:
- post-surgical, which develops after surgery or chest trauma when the sternum doesn’t heal properly
- when the chest cavity fuses prematurely, it is congenital and present at birth.
- Pectus carinatum’s most prevalent variety, idiopathic, typically manifests between the ages of 11 and 15, and growth spurts are associated with it.
Causes
Pectus carinatum’s exact cause is unknown, but many medical professionals think it’s caused by a problem with the cartilage that connects the breastbone and the ribs, which pushes the breastbone outward when the rib cartilage grows more quickly than the bones.
To ascertain the cause of the quick cartilage growth, insufficient research has been done.
Risk factors
Pectus carinatum risk factors include connective tissue diseases like Marfan’s syndrome, a family history of the condition, and other chest wall deformities.
Pectus carinatum is also significantly more common in white people than in people of other races, and when diagnosed in infancy, it may also be seen with premature breastbone fusion and congenital heart disease.
HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT
Phosphorus
The only treatment for pigeon chest that is guaranteed to work; should be administered for a long period of time, preferably at least three months, after which the chest will return to normal, etc.
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