What Are The Symptoms Of Funnel Chest?

Lower Tolerance For Exercise

Patients with funnel chest generally have a lower tolerance for exercise. In minor cases of the condition, the reduced tolerance will be minimal. In more serious cases, the pressure of the rib cage on the lungs makes it difficult to take deep breaths. At lower levels of exertion, a patient might be able to overwork the diaphragm muscle to increase the volume of air. As the lungs work harder, they are unable to keep up with the demand for oxygen. The patient will need to take a break from the activity. Individuals with funnel chest may also refrain from exercise because they are self-conscious about their appearance. For example, young men with funnel chest may stay away from swimming because their chests are exposed.

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Frequent Respiratory Infections

Funnel chest can also lead to more frequent respiratory infections. The sunken chest squeezes and distorts the normal shape of the lungs, making them more prone to trapping irritants and bacteria. In addition, the body’s natural responses to infection are compromised. It can be difficult for patients with funnel chest to take the deep breaths necessary for the productive coughing that can clear the lungs. In addition, the distorted shape of the lungs will make it difficult to clear them completely. Not only will infections be more frequents, but they will last longer. Patients with funnel chest may become more dependent on antibiotics as mucus caused by viral infections is trapped in the lung, becoming a breeding ground for secondary bacterial infections.

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