Question
Pediatrics How do I solve the issue of my infant’s elevated rib on the left side? I discovered it accidentally today and don’t know what caused it. The baby has been growing well, not crying, and has a good appetite, but the left rib is significantly higher than the right one.
Answer
Based on your description, it may be a case of pectus carinatum. The main causes of infantile pectus carinatum are two-fold: simple rib development deformities and rickets. Most cases of pectus carinatum in children are caused by rickets. If diagnosed with rickets, treatment is necessary. The amount of calcium and vitamin D supplementation should be determined based on the results of laboratory tests. Additionally, helping the child with chest expansion exercises can help stabilize the thoracic deformities caused by rickets.