The opposite of a pigeon chest is a sunken chest, also known as pectus excavatum.
Pigeon chest, or pectus carinatum, is a condition where the breastbone protrudes outward. According to the provided reference, it's often called "pigeon chest" or "keel chest" due to its appearance. This is in contrast to pectus excavatum, where the breastbone is depressed inward, giving the chest a sunken look.
Here's a comparison in a table format:
| Condition | Description | Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| Pectus Carinatum | Breastbone protrudes outwards | "Pigeon chest" or "keel chest" |
| Pectus Excavatum | Breastbone is depressed inwards | Sunken Chest |
Here’s a breakdown of each condition:
-
Pectus Carinatum (Pigeon Chest):
- The sternum projects forward.
- It’s often more noticeable during growth spurts.
- Some people may experience discomfort or pain.
-
Pectus Excavatum (Sunken Chest):
- The sternum is indented into the chest.
- Can sometimes affect heart and lung function, but many people don't experience any problems.
- Severity ranges from mild to severe.
In essence, pigeon chest involves an outward protrusion of the breastbone, while sunken chest is characterized by an inward depression. They are two distinct conditions with opposite appearances.
