Question
My son is 14 years old and was found to have pectus excavatum during a school health check-up, but he is currently experiencing no discomfort. I would like to inquire about the potential future health issues and how to handle the situation.
Answer
Pectus excavatum can significantly affect the development of thoracic organs when severe, so it is recommended that parents take their child to the hospital for a detailed examination. If it affects future development, surgical correction can be considered. In addition, attention should be paid to calcium supplementation, as pectus excavatum may be related to calcium deficiency during infancy. Apart from mild deformities, surgery is usually recommended. Early surgery tends to be more effective, and corrective surgery can usually be performed after the child is 3-4 years old.