Sunken or Pigeon Chest? A Parent’s Guide to Pectus

In this episode of Pediatrics Now for Parents, I’m talk with Dr. Ian Mitchell about two common chest wall differences in children—pectus excavatum (a sunken chest) and pectus carinatum (a chest that sticks out). If your child has recently been diagnosed, this conversation will help you better understand what it means, what to expect, and what your options are. And if you’ve simply noticed a difference in your child’s chest, we’ll walk through when it’s something to keep an eye on—and when to seek care. We cover what causes these conditions, whether they run in families, and the different treatment options—from non-surgical approaches like bracing or a vacuum bell, to surgery when needed—and what recovery looks like. Just as important, we talk about how this can affect a child’s confidence and why listening to their feelings matters just as much as the physical side. Clear, reassuring guidance for parents—whether you’re just noticing something or already navigating a diagnosis.