Do I Have Pectus Excavatum?

Do you have a hollow depression in the chest that may be broad and shallow, deep and narrow, or irregular?

Do you have shortness of breath upon exertion or exercise?

Do you have reduced endurance compared to your peers?

Do you have a rapid heartbeat or heart palpitations?

Do you have recurrent respiratory infections?

Do you have a chest pain?

Do you have fatigue?

Do you have irregular heartbeat or a fast heart rate (tachycardia)?

Do you have fainting or dizziness?

Do you feel ashamed of the appearance of your chest and have problems with self-esteem?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have pectus excavatum. Pectus excavatum is a birth defect of the chest wall, also known as a funnel chest or sunken chest. It is characterized by irregular development of the rib cage, in which the breastbone grows inwards, forming an indent in the chest wall. Although a sunken breastbone is present at birth, it is often noticed during the teenage years. The exact cause is not known, but it could be a hereditary condition. Pectus excavatum is more common in boys than in girls and its symptoms can affect a person in two ways, physically and psychologically.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have pectus excavatum. Pectus excavatum is a medical condition that refers to a deformity of the chest wall. The breastbone and some ribs grow irregularly, causing a deep dent in the middle of the chest. The deformity may be the same on both sides of the chest, or may be more pronounced on one side. Pectus excavatum may affect the shape of the body, so people with this condition can be self-conscious. A diagnosis is based on a physical examination, and the severity of this condition can be determined by chest imaging tests and cardiopulmonary exercise tests.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have pectus excavatum. Pectus excavatum or a funnel chest is a congenital deformity of the chest in which the breastbone is pressed inwards, causing a dent between the ribs. The severity of symptoms can range from mild to severe. People with mild symptoms can live a normal life without any treatment at all. However, the severe form of pectus excavatum can affect the function of the heart and lungs. Treatment includes surgery. Surgeons usually operate on a person with pectus excavatum in their teen ages. At this age, a person has the lowest risk of recurrence.