PECTUS EXCAVATUM AND HOW TO TREAT IT
Pectus excavatum, a medical term that may be unfamiliar to those without a background in health education.
Pectus excavatum, a medical term that may be unfamiliar to those without a background in health education. Have you ever seen someone with a chest that appears concave?
Well, that's what pectus excavatum is, which in the medical world refers to a deformity of the sternum or funnel chest.
While it may seem simple and not always cause physical symptoms in everyone, pectus excavatum can have physical and psychological impacts on sufferers.
Psychologically, sufferers feel less confident when others notice their chest. Physically, this chest deformity can cause respiratory and heart function problems due to limited lung or heart space.
Understanding pectus excavatum
This chest deformity occurs due to the growth of the sternum that points or curves inward.
Anatomically, this deformity occurs due to abnormal growth of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum.
This cartilage grows excessively, pulling the sternum backward, creating a depression in the chest wall.
This condition is considered a congenital disorder, or one present from birth. However, sometimes the chest depression becomes more apparent during growth (childhood or adolescence).
During this growth period, the human body's bones and tissues develop more rapidly, causing pectus excavatum to form and appear prominent.
Prevalence
Medically, pectus excavatum is a rare but not uncommon condition. An estimated 1 in 400 births experience this chest deformity, and it usually occurs in males.
Cause of pectus excavatum
The exact cause of the curved sternum is unknown, but most research suggests that genetic factors contribute to its occurrence. Therefore, if a family member has a chest deformity, other family members are more likely to experience the same condition.
Risk Factors
Some conditions associated with pectus excavatum include:
- Family history
- Marfan syndrome
- Flörs-Danlos syndrome
- Noonan syndrome
- Scoliosis
- Osteogenesis imperfecta
These six conditions cause cartilage to develop abnormally, pushing the sternum inward. This is why pectus excavatum often occurs alongside other structural abnormalities, particularly spinal abnormalities.
In some individuals, pectus excavatum can also occur as part of a genetic disorder that affects tissue elasticity, bone strength, and the strength of the body's supporting tissues.
Symptoms of pectus excavatum
These symptoms vary widely, ranging from mild to severe. In some individuals, symptoms are only an aesthetic change in the appearance of the chest. However, in severe cases, it can become a source of serious health problems that require treatment.
- Physical Symptoms
- Concave chest
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath, especially during activity
- Easily tired
- Heart palpitations
- Decreased stamina
- Shortness of breath during activity
Prone to respiratory infectionsIn adolescents or adults with severe pectus excavatum, the concavity can deepen as we age. At this point, the symptoms and decreased stamina will be clearly visible, as if we were viewing something in broad daylight.
Psychological Impact
Equally important, some of the psychological impacts of a sunken chest include:
- Embarrassment or low self-esteem
- Loss of self-confidence
- Reluctance to participate in social activities, especially those requiring undressing, such as swimming.
Doctor's Diagnosis
In the initial examination, a doctor usually makes a direct physical examination. A sunken chest is easily visible, making an initial diagnosis relatively straightforward.
However, to assess the severity and impact on internal organs, further examinations are performed, such as:
- Chest X-ray
- CT Scan
- ECG
- Echocardiography
- Pulmonary function test
- Exercise test
The doctor will calculate a severity index, known as the Haller index. The higher the index, the more severe the pectus excavatum, which necessitates surgery.
Complications of pectus excavatum
In severe cases, this health condition must be treated seriously, or complications can arise, such as:
- Decreased lung function
- Heart dysfunction
- Positive posture
- Higher risk of scoliosis
- Treating a sunken chest
Treating a sunken chest depends on the condition and symptoms. There are two common approaches: non-operative therapy and surgery.
a. Non-operative
Non-surgical treatment measures for mild symptoms include:
- Regular breathing exercises
- Stretching and posture exercises
- Exercises to strengthen chest and back muscles
- Physiotherapy
These four exercises aim to improve posture and help the patient's lungs function effectively.
b. Surgery
In severe cases, doctors often choose surgery. There are two most popular methods:
a. Nuss method (minimally invasive technique):
- Placing a metal brace under the sternum
- Pushing the sternum outward
- The brace is left in place for 2-3 years before being removed.
b. Ravitch method (open surgery technique):
- Removing the abnormally growing cartilage
- Directly repositioning the sternum
Both methods are effective, and the choice of technique depends on the patient's age, severity, and anatomical condition.
Can pectus excavatum be prevented?
Most cases of pectus excavatum are caused by genetic factors and cannot be prevented. However, early treatment and regular exercise can help slow its progression.
Conclusion
Pectus excavatum is a structural abnormality of the chest that causes the sternum to retract. This condition can affect respiratory health, heart function, and self-confidence. Treatment for pectus excavatum varies from physical exercises to surgery, depending on the severity.
If you or your family have symptoms of health problems like this, I suggest you immediately consult a specialist doctor for further examination.
Tags:
HEALTH