 Allergies [36]
Allergy is a disorder of the immune system often also referred to as atopy.
Antidepressants [36]
An antidepressant is a psychiatric medication used to alleviate mood disorders, such as major depression and dysthymia.
Arthritis [5]
Arthritis is a group of conditions involving damage to the joints of the body.
Cancer [23]
Cancer is a class of diseases in which a group of cells display uncontrolled growth
Cardio & Blood [1]
Risk factors for heart disease: infections
Cholesterol [1]
A fat-like substance called a lipid. It is used to build cell membranes, hormones and bile acids
Diabetes [27]
The inability of the body to produce, or the inability to metabolize, the human hormone insulin; Diabetes insipidus, usually a disorder of the ...
Epilepsy [2]
Epilepsy is a common chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures
Gastrointestinal [1]
The digestive tract is the system of organs within multicellular animals that takes in food...
General Health [108]
The infant, child or young person?s current health condition
Herbal [36]
Herbal tea, herbal medicine
Hormonal [25]
Hormones - Proteins produced by organs of the body that trigger activity in other locations.
Men's Health [1]
For men on fitness, health, sex, caree
Pain relief [36]
Pain management is the medical discipline concerned with the relief of pain.
Skin care [36]
The skin is the outer covering of the body
Weight Loss [36]
Loss of body weight by dieting or due to various easting disorders or medical conditions.
Women's Health [34]
Find information on women's health issues, and lifestyle at the Women's Health
Fresh material  How is endometriosis diagnosed: ca-125
→ More
Hormonal treatments for endometriosis: gnrh agonists
→ More
How is endometriosis diagnosed: what is a repeat laparoscopy
→ More
Solutions to infertility: giving up smoking
→ More
Who should not have a laparoscopy?
→ More
The most popular materials [2799 view]
Hormonal drugs to treat endometriosis: primolut n → More
[2440 view]
How is endometriosis diagnosed: what do i need to discuss before i have my laparoscopy → More
[2262 view]
How is endometriosis diagnosed: ca-125 → More
[1932 view]
lynsey bartilson nude → More
[1790 view]
Hormonal treatments for endometriosis: gnrh agonists → More
Awaiting moderation 11768 Article |
Children’s health: funnel chest CHILDREN’S HEALTH: FUNNEL CHEST
Funnel chest is a condition in which the breastbone is depressed or sunken in. The breastbone (sternum) connects the front end of the ribs. The diaphragm (a band of muscle separating the chest and abdominal cavities) attaches in front to the lower ribs and to the bottom of the breastbone. In children, the ribs are made of tough elastic tissue called cartilage; this cartilage gradually hardens into bone as the child grows. Since cartilage is not as strong as bone, the ribs of a baby are delicate, but the diaphragm is relatively strong. When some babies breathe in, the diaphragm pulls in the lower half of the breastbone, causing a hollow in the center of the chest. This hollow is exaggerated when the child makes a greater effort to breathe, as with bronchitis, pneumonia, and choking. This condition, called retracting, is a sign of breathing difficulty. If retracting occurs only when the child has difficulty breathing, it is not considered to be a true funnel chest.
A true funnel chest exists if the breastbone is depressed when the child breathes out, even while the child is at rest and is having no difficulty breathing. If mild or moderate, a funnel chest will cause no harm and will gradually correct itself over the years as the child's ribs grow heavier and stronger. If funnel chest is severe, it may not correct itself and may interfere with breathing. Rarely is it severe enough to affect the position or functioning of the heart.
Signs and symptoms
A funnel chest can be seen by observing the chest of a well child. The breastbone appears to be sunken in, forming a hollow in the center of the chest. If this hollow appears whenever the child breathes out, this may be a sign of true funnel chest.
If a child has not previously shown signs of a funnel chest, retractions of the lower breastbone are an important sign of breathing difficulty.
Home care
A fixed deformity (true funnel chest) cannot be treated at home. Bring it to the attention of your doctor.
If retractions of the breastbone begin in a child with no earlier signs of funnel chest, look for other signs of breathing difficulty. Then treat the disease that is causing the breathing problems.
Precautions
• Don't be alarmed by persistent mild to moderate depression of the breastbone in an infant or young child.
• Do not restrict your child's activities.
Medical treatment
The doctor will determine if the child has a true funnel chest or if the child is having temporary difficulty breathing. In marked cases of funnel chest, the severity and effect on heart and lungs is judged by X ray and other test results.
If funnel chest is severe and persists without gradual improvement, the condition may require surgery. Surgery may be performed if there are signs of limited heart or lung function or for cosmetic reasons. Your doctor may order X rays, an electrocardiogram, and measurements of the lung capacity.
*78/84/5*
GENERAL HEALTH
«Mexican Online Pharmacy»
 Print
Viewed: 469
| Keywords for this page: Children’s health: funnel chest |
|
|
