Causes and Treatments of a Baby’s Frequent Cough and Chest Ribs Outward Projection

Question

Why does my baby frequently cough and her chest ribs project outward?

Answer

The causes of a baby’s outward projection of the chest ribs may include growth and development abnormalities and rickets. Most cases of outward projection of the chest ribs in infants are caused by rickets. It is recommended that you take your child to the hospital to have a doctor confirm whether it is indeed a case of rib projection and to check for other symptoms of rickets. Blood calcium tests are needed to diagnose whether the child has rickets based on these comprehensive circumstances. If diagnosed with rickets, treatment is necessary. The amount of calcium and vitamin D supplements will be determined according to the test results. Additionally, helping the child perform chest expansion exercises can help improve the chest deformity caused by rickets. Moreover, a too-tight belt can also compress rib development, leading to outward projection. Doctors suggest that children under two years old should wear waistbands.