Causes of a funnel chest

The genetic component seems likely, but has not yet been proven. However, it is noticeable that in families in which chest wall anomalies – such as funnel chest – are more common, the image of pigeon breast is also more common. Furthermore, a connection with Marfan syndrome and a certain subtype of mucopolysaccharidoses can be found.

The excessive growth of the cartilaginous parts of the ribs at their attachment to the breastbone probably plays a significant role in the development of pigeon breast. These parts grow too much in relation to each other and thus push the sternum forward, or force it to bulge forward due to the resulting pressure. Alternatively, it can also lead to the sternum being pushed backwards by the growth, which then results in the formation of a funnel chest.

If the growth is different on the two sides of the ribcage, mixed forms and asymmetrically warped forms of the pigeon chest can also occur. The exact cause of the excessive cartilage growth is not yet known. Pigeon breasts are less problematic in the medical-functional sense than in the psychological sense.

Only if it is very pronounced can it also cause physical symptoms. If the asymmetry is very pronounced, breathing may be impaired, which may result in shortness of breath, especially under stress. Lying on the abdomen is often experienced as uncomfortable and in rare cases pain in the area of the protruding part can also occur.

Also, in connection with a pigeon breast, incorrect posture of the spine is increasingly observed, which then often leads to back pain. However, the psychological component also has an influence here, as it is often caused by the attempt to conceal the conspicuous deformation from the outside. The main problem with the pigeon breast is therefore the psychological strain on the affected persons due to their own appearance. Often the pigeon breast is not very pronounced, so that the deformity is not very noticeable. However, if the deformity is very pronounced, the patients often feel very uncomfortable with their appearance, especially since the development usually occurs during puberty.The psychological burden of the cosmetic impairment should not be underestimated and often has a pathological value, especially when it leads to social isolation due to a lack of self-confidence.