Pectus excavatum, also known as funnel chest, is a congenital deformity in which the breastbone (sternum) and nearby ribs grow inward, creating a sunken appearance of the chest. The symptoms can range from mild cosmetic concerns to significant physical and psychological effects, depending on the severity of the deformity. 1. Visible Chest Deformity • Hallmark Sign: A noticeable indentation or depression in the center of the chest, which varies in depth and may be off-center on one side. • Rib Flare: Sometimes the lower ribs stick out, giving a potbelly appearance, especially in children. 2. Respiratory Symptoms • Shortness of Breath: Compression of the lungs by the inward-pressed sternum can reduce their capacity, leading to difficulty breathing, especially during exercise or exertion. • Exercise Intolerance: Many people report an inability to keep up during physical activities, feeling winded or experiencing fatigue more quickly than peers. • Frequent Respiratory Infections: In some cases, restricted chest movement and impaired lung expansion result in more frequent upper airway infections. 3. Cardiovascular Symptoms • Chest Pain or Discomfort: Discomfort may occur due to pressure on the heart and lungs, especially during exertion or deep breathing. • Heart Palpitations: Severe cases may compress the heart, leading to irregular heartbeats or palpitations. Rarely, fainting or dizziness may also occur. • Reduced Endurance: Compression of the heart reduces its pumping efficiency, contributing to fatigue and loss of stamina during activity. 4. Musculoskeletal Symptoms • Back Pain: Some people report back pain, usually muscular in origin, due to postural changes from chest deformity. • Postural Issues: The abnormal chest shape can alter spinal alignment and sitting, standing posture. 5. Psychological and Social Symptoms • Body Image Concerns: The most common symptom in mild cases is concern about chest appearance, which may result in embarrassment, social anxiety, or avoidance of activities like swimming or changing clothes in public. • Low Self-Esteem and Depression: Adolescents are at high risk for developing low confidence or depressive symptoms linked to perceived physical difference. • Social Withdrawal: Some children and teens may avoid group activities where their chest could be visible. 6. Severity Variation • Mild Cases: Some people have only a subtle indentation and no symptoms. • Severe Cases: Deep chest depression can lead to pronounced physical effects: restricted lung capacity, recurrent pain, and higher risk for heart& lung complications. • Progression: Symptoms often worsen during growth spurts, particularly in puberty, and usually stabilize once bone growth is complete. 7. Less Common Symptoms • Gastrointestinal Complaints: Some individuals report trouble swallowing (dysphagia) or post-meal shortness of breath due to compressed organs. • High-Pitched Breathing: A rare, high-pitched whistling sound may be heard during exertion, triggered by chest shape. When to Seek Medical Advice Consult a healthcare professional if you or your child experiences: • Progressive chest indentation • Shortness of breath or chest pain • Irregular heartbeats or fainting spells • Difficulty during exercise • Signs of emotional distress or withdrawal Early diagnosis can improve outcomes, as imaging and pulmonary tests help determine severity and guide management. A patient with pectus excavatum may experience all or only some of these symptoms. The impact varies some live normal lives, while others need medical or surgical treatment to improve breathing, cardiac function, or self-esteem. Dr Rajkamal Vishnu Consultant Pectus and Thoracic Surgeon Best pectus excavatum treatment India Top thoracic surgeon Chennai Chest wall deformity correction India Sunken chest symptoms Chennai Pectus carinatum solutions India Nuss procedure specialist Chennai Advanced pectus surgery India Childhood chest deformity evaluation Chennai Cosmetic chest surgery India Dr Rajkamal Vishnu pectus surgeon Chennai