Question 1

how do i bring out my funnel chest?

Accepted Answer

Understand Pectus: It is important to understand what 'funnel chest' is, also known as pectus excavatum. A comprehensive review about the subject can be found at:
http://emedicine.Medscape.Com/article/1004953-overview
review of surgical treatment:
http://emedicine.Medscape.Com/article/1970203-overview.

Question 2

does working out reduce funnel chest?

Accepted Answer

Probably not: If you have a true funnel chest then the bones are shaped that way and will not change with exercise.

Question 3

are there exercises you can do to slowly correct a funnel chest?

Accepted Answer

Perhaps: Depending on the depth of the funnel chest upper body exercises can help mask the visibility of the defect.  For example larger pectoral muscles from push ups will help mask not correct the defect.

Question 4

are there non-surgical ways of treating a funnel chest?

Accepted Answer

No: Pectus excavatum is the fancy medical term for this condition.  For most individuals it is only a cosmetic problem.  Rarely does it interfere significantly with heart or lung function.  Several surgical approaches can be done.  No know exercises have been shown to be of any value.

Question 5

do i have to get surgery for my funnel chest?

Accepted Answer

Funnel chest: This depends on if you have restrictions with breathing, and if there is cardiac compromise in any way. There are certain criteria which are usually screened for to determine this. Have you been examined and screened?

Question 6

funnel chest - are you born with it or does it develop?

Accepted Answer

Yes...to both.: While most infants are born with definitive features of funnel chest--also known as pectus excavatum--others may not develop to a point of concern until months or years later. There has been much meaningful research on the surgical treatment of the funnel chest lately. If you have not contacted a pediatric surgeon recently about this you should call soon. Are you near john hopkins hospitals?

Question 7

will a surgery for a funnel chest ever revert years after the surgery is done?

Accepted Answer

No: Once the surgery is done "funnel chest" does not return.It is a congenital deformity and contrary to many peoples' idea that it "compresses the heart and lungs"this is not true.

Question 8

can you get surgury to sort out a funnel chest if so how old do you have to be?

Accepted Answer

Yes: The condition is called pectus excavatum if the breastbone is sunken or pectus carinum if it protrudes abnormally. Pectus excavatum can cause problems with the heart and lungs if it is severe enough.  Both can be treated with an operation.

Question 9

are there ways to prevent the symptoms of funnel chest?

Accepted Answer

Funnel chest: Funnel chest is a genetic or embryonic variation in rib cage and sternum developement. There is nothing you can do about its development, which will just run its own course. It is usually just a cosmetic problem and rarely causes symptoms. The best thing you can do if you are having any symptoms from it (like exercise intolerance) is to exercise more (conditioning).

Question 10

i have both a pigeon chest and a funnel chest. can i get this fixed? at what age are you too old to have this fixed?

Accepted Answer

Its cosmetic surg: Usually, chest deformities which are medically necessary to fix, cause symptoms before the age of 16 years old.  Bad deformities squeeze down on the heart, reducing diasystolic filling, and therefore reducing cardiac output.  If you have lived to 50 yo without cardiac compression, you are looking at cosmetic surgery.

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Doctor answers about:

Medicine for funnel chest

A member asked:

How do i bring out my funnel chest?

A member asked:

Does working out reduce funnel chest?

A member asked:

Are there exercises you can do to slowly correct a funnel chest?

A member asked:

Are there non-surgical ways of treating a funnel chest?

A member asked:

Do i have to get surgery for my funnel chest?

A member asked:

Funnel chest - are you born with it or does it develop?

A member asked:

Will a surgery for a funnel chest ever revert years after the surgery is done?

A member asked:

Can you get surgury to sort out a funnel chest if so how old do you have to be?

A member asked:

Are there ways to prevent the symptoms of funnel chest?

A member asked:

I have both a pigeon chest and a funnel chest. can i get this fixed? at what age are you too old to have this fixed?

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