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Pectus carinatum is when the ribs and breastbone (sternum) grow outward and make the chest jut out. This gives the chest a birdlike appearance. That’s why it is sometimes called “pigeon breast” or “pigeon chest.”
Pectus carinatum can affect one side of the chest more than the other. It can get worse as kids get older and is more common in boys than girls. Severe pectus carinatum can make it hard to exercise or play sports, and cause chest pain.
Causes
There is no known cause but it may run in families. Kids who have it may have other health issues, such as connective tissue disorders.
Symptoms
Kids will have a chest that juts out but this often doesn’t appear until age 11 or older.
Since the chest wall surrounds and protects the heart and lungs, children may:
Feel short of breath, especially during exercise
Have cramping in the chest when breathing in
How It Is Diagnosed
Your child’s doctor will perform an exam on your child. If needed, the doctor might also order tests such as genetic testing (unlikely).
Treatment
Not all children need treatment. Mild pectus carinatum won’t need treatment if it doesn’t affect how the lungs or heart work.
When the condition is very noticeable, it can affect a person’ self-image. In those cases, treatment will improve a child’s emotional and physical well-being.
If treatment is needed, the options include:
Chest brace: Kids whose bones are still growing can wear a chest brace.
Surgery: A surgeon can fix the sternum using the Ravitch procedure.
Physical therapy (PT): Doctors suggest all patients have PT to retrain breathing muscles when it is the root cause of the defect. Doctors may also suggest PT to strengthen weak chest muscles.