Our desire is to provide you with guidance on the symptoms associated with Pectus Excavatum and how to detect them before the progression of the deformity does not reach the point of compromising the organs of the thorax or there is no significant psychological involvement.
Also known as “sunken chest” or “funnel chest”, the condition of Pectus Excavatum can go unnoticed, being its presentation only visual, but it can also be shown with a wide range of symptoms. The most obvious is the sinking of the chest wall itself.
Some physical symptoms associated with Pectus Excavatum include, among others, shortness of breath during physical activity, decreased endurance and fatigue. Regarding psychological symptoms, the appearance of the thoracic deformity can lead to self-esteem problems, behavioral disturbances, with a tendency to loneliness and social withdrawal.
How to assess the complexity of your Pectus Excavatum?
The most relevant thing is that when you perceive a sinking or any alteration in the chest, you should request a visit to a surgeon expert in this type of thoracic deformities to assess the degree of complexity.
Many people live a normal life, without any type of physical or psychological affectation, but in spite of this, it cannot be ruled out that the pathology may progress and may compromise the internal organs of the thorax.
The symptoms that may indicate that your Pectus Excavatum is compressing your lungs or heart are chest pain, rapid heartbeat or palpitations, fainting or loss of consciousness, or respiratory problems, among others.
But the complexity of Pectus Excavatum is not only measured by the physical problems it may cause, but also by the psychological problems, feeling self-conscious about the appearance of your chest or by stopping social activities because of your condition.
If you suffer from any of these symptoms, or you have simply noticed that your chest is sunken, you should see a specialist in this pathology to assess your Pectus Excavatum, and the most appropriate corrective method to solve the sinking of your chest.
