Question 1

what exercises can i do to help pectus excavatum?

Accepted Answer

None.: Pectus if problem with cartilages connecting ribs to sternum.  No exercise will improve pectus.

Question 2

my pectus excavatum is now suddenly worse. dangerous?

Accepted Answer

No...: Pectus excavatum is mostly a cosmetic issue.  Some studies suggest that shortness of breath can be related to having a pectus, but repairs do little to change the symptoms that people have.  That said, you can see a thoracic surgeon to help find out if a pectus repair is something you would like to have done.

Question 3

can i improve pectus excavatum naturally by exercising? i am 22

Accepted Answer

It Depends: It will depend on the severity of your condition. If you have a mild type, the yes you can improve it with exercise. If your condition is severe, an evaluation is needed to determine your physical restrictions specifically in relation with your breathing/lung function and also heart condition. So, in severe cases, no exercise would not improve your pectus excavatum.

Question 4

a question about pectus excavatum, please help!? what should i do?

Accepted Answer

Depends: If the pectus excavatum is not causing cardiac or pulmonary problems (chest pain, shortness of breath, exercise intolerance), then therapy would be considered cosmetic. Intervention depends on your level of symptoms. Insurance companies are extremely reluctant to pay for treatment that they consider unnecessary.

Question 5

please help docs! is pectus excavatum dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Pectus Excavatum: The severity of the pectus will determine symptoms and risk of cardio-pulmonary problems.

Here are some links with helpful information:
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1004953-overview

http://www.musckids.org/pectus/conditions/pectus_excavatum

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Andre_Hebra/publication/236595059_Nuss_Procedure_for_Pectus_Excavatum/links/0deec51ed6b91290fc000000.pdf

Question 6

is there sucha a thing as pectus excavatum repair?

Accepted Answer

Yes.: There are two procedures. The nuss procedure is less invasive and there is thge ravitch procedure which is more invasive . Results are similar with both procedures.

Question 7

how hard is the recovery from a pectus excavatum repair?

Accepted Answer

Depends: It all depends on the procedure used. The ravitch is a very extensive procedure which involves a large incision and removal of many cartilaginous ribs. This destabilizes the chest wall. The nuss procedure is less invasive, shorter , and does not destabilize the chest. Both have residual postoperative pain. Most patients are back toi baseline comfort within 3-4 weeks depending on age.

Question 8

is it possible to get six pack abs with pectus excavatum?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Pectus excavatum means the chest has a sunken appearance.  If no heart or lung problems are present, the abdomen is unaffected. Six-pack abs requires eliminating fat and proper exercise program. Fat obscures the definition of the abs. To shed it requires proper nutrition and aerobic conditioning e.g. Running. Women naturally store more fat than men, so it is harder to have well defined abs.  Body fat low enough to have a six-pack may stop menstrual cycles, which is unhealthy.

Question 9

any differences between a barrel chest and pectus excavatum?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Pe is a sunken chest associated with deformed cartilages. I'm not sure what you are referring to when you say " barrel chest". People with emphysema often are described as having a "barrel chest".

Question 10

what are the details of how pectus excavatum surgery is done?

Accepted Answer

Extensive: Wires attached to a frame around the chest.

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My pectus excavatum is now suddenly worse. dangerous?

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Please help docs! is pectus excavatum dangerous?

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Is there sucha a thing as pectus excavatum repair?

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