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Barrel chest in child

by searching, Jul 11, 2007 03:05PM
Does anyone out there have a child with a barrel chest?  My son's chest shape was normal when he was born but has changed as he has grown.  His pediatricians (he's had a number since we've moved alot) never mentioned it.  I asked his pediatrician when he was around 10 and his pediatrician didn't seem at all concerned.  I pressed her and she told me he had a slight heart murmur but again said not to worry so I haven't too much, but recently I read that normally those with barrel chests have underlying cardiac, pulmonary and other abnormalities so now I'm really worried.  Do any of you know anything about barrel chests?  Thanks.
Member Comments (3)

by Trialanderror, Jul 14, 2007 11:29AM
I will not be of great help here but as far as I know in many cases barrel chest is initially caused by recurrent respiratory infections and especially asthma. The lungs are basically over-inflated and the chest structure changes with it. Does or did your son have asthma? I understand that not cardiac problems are causing this but that the bone deformities and their underlying pulmonary problems would have some effect on breathing and heart beat. I am not sure if you could get a referral to a pulmonary specialist to check if your son`s breathing is okay to start with. A little boy in my neighborhood is actually wearing a chest brace, some kind of corsette, to correct something that appears like a barrel chest. Sorry if this is too vague but do not panic. A few specialist should be able to shed some light on your options.

by searching, Jul 16, 2007 02:29PM
To: Trialanderror
Thank you very much for your response.  No, my son has never had a respiratory infection nor does he have asthma.  Seeing a pulmonary specialist is an excellent idea!

by Lyndon1968, Nov 24, 2008 07:15PM
dont worry too much about it as im barrel chested & fine, even Brian Denehy the actor has it & hes fine also.
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