What are the effects of congenital funnel chest?

Congenital funnel chest (pectus excavatum) is a common chest wall deformity in children, and its impact is mainly reflected in two aspects: 1. From a physiological perspective, funnel chest can compress the heart and lungs, affecting the child's respiratory and circulatory functions. This may lead to cardiac displacement, twisting of major blood vessels, and restricted cardiac function. In severe cases, symptoms such as dyspnea after physical activity and palpitations may occur. 2. Funnel chest can also restrict lung expansion and reduce vital capacity, causing the child to tire easily. 3. From a psychological standpoint, due to the visible deformity, children may face stares or negative reactions from others, potentially leading to psychological issues such as low self-esteem and introversion. These problems can even affect normal social interactions and academic performance. For congenital funnel chest, early detection and timely treatment are essential to minimize its physical and psychological impact on the child.