Patient's question:
When the child was born, I noticed that his sternum and ribs were concave inward, like a funnel. The doctor said this is called funnel chest. I heard from others that funnel chest can return to normal by itself at the age of four or five. Can funnel chest really return to normal at the age of four or five?Doctor's answer:
Most cases of pectus excavatum in children are caused by congenital developmental issues or calcium deficiency. It is incorrect to believe that without timely and appropriate treatment and correction, the condition will never normalize on its own by the ages of four or five. It is best not to rely on this misconception to avoid delaying the treatment. The correct approach is to promptly take the child to a reputable Grade III-A hospital for a follow-up examination and thorough diagnosis by a specialized doctor, who can then determine the appropriate treatment based on the actual condition.