Question
My 1.5-year-old has pigeon chest and it’s not improving. What methods can be used to improve it?
Answer
Pigeon chest is usually caused by rickets in children, which is due to a lack of sufficient vitamin D in the body, leading to calcium-phosphorus absorption disorders, resulting in osteomalacia and eventually forming pigeon chest. Children with pigeon chest under 3 years old should receive active treatment for rickets, including calcium supplements and vitamin D. For children over 3 years old, most cases are complications, and treatment with calcium and vitamin D may be ineffective. Mild pigeon chests generally disappear gradually with physical growth, and strengthening physical exercise can help accelerate correction of deformities. If the pigeon chest is severe and affects the respiratory circuit, surgical treatment may be required. Pigeon chest caused by rickets can only be diagnosed through a bone alkaline phosphatase test. Babies should start taking cod liver oil within half a month after birth to prevent rickets.