Raising one's head and chest high can make a person look more energetic. However, if a child is unable to do so due to illness, parents need to pay attention, as it can affect the child's entire life and even pose a life-threatening danger.
Misconceptions about Pectus Excavatum
Many parents believe that when a child's chest is concave, it is due to being too thin or lacking calcium.
Experts warn that pectus excavatum has nothing to do with calcium deficiency; most cases are a congenital deformity of the chest.
The Life-threatening Danger of Pectus Excavatum if Not Treated Timely
Pectus excavatum, along with the inward and backward concavity of the ribs, forms a funnel shape. If not treated early, it can pose a life-threatening danger by compressing the heart, lungs, and other organs.
The Effects of Pectus Excavatum on Children
1. Physiological Impact
The most obvious harm of pectus excavatum to the human body is its physiological impact. Mild cases may have no symptoms, but severe cases can compress the heart and lungs, affecting respiratory and circulatory functions, reducing lung capacity, increasing residual volume, and decreasing activity endurance. Pectus excavatum has a tremendous physiological impact on patients.
2. Psychological Impact
Pectus excavatum causes physical deformity, which directly affects the psychological state of patients. It is understood that the majority of pectus excavatum patients have psychological barriers, especially older children and adults who have matured mentally and can discern beauty from ugliness. Therefore, pectus excavatum patients may appear introverted and less talkative.
3. Impact on Lifespan
When pectus excavatum develops to a severe degree, it can have an impact on the patient's lifespan. Pectus excavatum often coexists with other diseases and causes compression on the heart and lungs. Therefore, it is detrimental to the survival and quality of life for pectus excavatum patients.
Recommended Calcium-rich Foods for Children
1. Milk
Half a pound of milk contains 300 milligrams of calcium, as well as various amino acids, lactic acid, minerals, and vitamins that promote calcium digestion and absorption. Therefore, milk is the preferred product for calcium supplementation.
2. Kelp and Dried Shrimp
Kelp and dried shrimp are high-calcium seafood. Eating 25 grams per day can provide 300 milligrams of calcium. They can also lower blood lipid levels and prevent arteriosclerosis.
3. Soy Products
Soybeans are high-protein foods with high calcium content. 500 grams of soy milk contains 120 milligrams of calcium, while 150 grams of tofu contains as much as 500 milligrams of calcium. Other soy products are also excellent sources of calcium.
4. Animal Bones
More than 80% of animal bones are made up of calcium, but it is not soluble in water and difficult to absorb. Therefore, when preparing food, it can be crushed in advance, simmered with vinegar over low heat, and the floating oil removed. Adding some vegetables can make it into a delicious and nutritious soup.
5. Vegetables
Many vegetables also contain high levels of calcium. Chinese pickled cabbage contains 230 milligrams of calcium per 100 grams, while Chinese cabbage, rapeseed, fennel, coriander, celery, and other vegetables have calcium contents around 150 milligrams per 100 grams.
