Question
My child is 4 years and 8 months old and has a mild pigeon chest. The trace element test shows no calcium deficiency. Does it need further examination? Can pigeon chest lead to rickets? What methods can help correct it?
Answer
Pigeon chest is often caused by rickets in children, usually forming around the age of 1. After the age of 2 or 3, pigeon chest may be a Sequelae of rickets, at which point treatment with calcium and vitamin D is no longer effective. Mild pigeon chest usually disappears gradually with physical growth. Strengthening physical exercises such as chest expansion, supine sit-ups, and eye-raising exercises, performed 2 to 3 times daily, can help correct the deformity. Wishing the patient a speedy recovery!