What is chicken breast disease?

Pectus carinatum, medically referred to as "funnel chest," is a congenital developmental abnormality of the thoracic cage characterized by inward depression of the anterior chest wall, resembling the chest of a chicken. It primarily results from the depression of the sternum, costal cartilages, and part of the ribs toward the spine, forming a trough-like deformity. This condition may be associated with multiple factors such as heredity, malnutrition, and intrathoracic diseases. Mild cases of pectus carinatum may present no obvious symptoms, while severe cases can affect cardiopulmonary function, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue, and may also cause psychological distress to the patient. Treatment for pectus carinatum generally depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases may require no specific treatment, with improvement achieved through regular exercise to strengthen the chest muscles and enhance appearance. Severe cases that impair physiological function may require surgical correction. If a child shows signs of pectus carinatum, timely medical consultation is recommended.