Question
Recently, a parent brought their child for a health check-up and the doctor diagnosed the child with a mild funnel chest. The parent is worried and unsure about how to handle the situation. What measures should be taken for children with mild funnel chest?
Answer
Most cases of funnel chest are caused by a lack of calcium, so it is important to actively pursue calcium treatment. It is recommended to conduct tests for trace elements and bone density to determine the extent of calcium deficiency. As children grow older, the condition of funnel chest usually improves, particularly when they are around 5-6 years old, when the situation tends to significantly improve. Parents can encourage their children to engage in breast expansion exercises to promote chest development and alleviate symptoms of funnel chest. Moreover, the severity of funnel chest will also decrease in the future. It is advisable for parents to provide their children with calcium-rich foods such as lean meat, fish and shrimp, eggs, tofu, and green vegetables.