Treatment options include chest-wall bracing and/or surgery. Many patients with mild or moderate cases of pectus carinatum experience success with advanced chest-wall braces. Adolescents with more severe or refractory cases of pectus carinatum may require a modified Ravitch surgical repair.
Does pigeon chest get worse with age?
Pectus carinatum occurs in roughly 1 per 1,500 children. It’s more common in boys than in girls, and typically isn’t seen until after a child’s 11th birthday. The condition often worsens during the growth spurt that comes with adolescence.
Is a pigeon chest bad?
Pectus carinatum does not typically cause any serious health problems. It may cause troublesome symptoms in some children, however, including shortness of breath, asthma, pain, fatigue, and a rapid heart rate. The outlook for children with pectus carinatum is excellent with the use of a chest brace.