Effects of Shoemaker's Breast on the Digestive System
- Jul 1, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 1
Shoemaker's chest is a deformity of the rib cage, characterized by the sternum collapsing inwards. This can put pressure on the stomach and esophagus, causing various problems with the digestive system (Damages of Shoemaker's Chest to the Patient: Potential Health Risks).
Gastroesophageal Reflux
The shoemaker's chest can put pressure on the stomach and esophagus, leading to gastroesophageal reflux (stomach acid backing up into the esophagus). In one study, more than 50% of patients with shoemaker's chest had symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (Koumbourlis, 2009). This condition can cause irritation and inflammation of the esophagus, leading to symptoms such as burning, pain and difficulty swallowing (see Damages of Shoemaker's Chest to the Patient: Potential Health Risks). In the long term, gastroesophageal reflux can lead to serious complications, such as esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus) and Barrett's esophagus (cancerous esophagus) (see Shoemaker's Chest: Potential Health Risks).
Swallowing Difficulty
Shoemaker's chest can cause dysphagia by pressing on the esophagus. In one study, 25% of patients with shoemaker's chest had symptoms of dysphagia (Haller et al., 1996). Patients “may have difficulty swallowing solid and liquid foods, sometimes even experiencing food entrapment, which can lead to food choking” (The Harm of Shoemaker's Chest to the Patient: Potential Health Risks). Difficulty swallowing can “lead to nutritional problems and weight loss” (The Patient Harms of Shoemaker's Chest: Potential Health Risks).
Treatment Options
There are several options available for treating digestive system problems caused by shoemaker's chest. In mild cases, medication and dietary changes may be enough to control reflux symptoms. However, in cases where symptoms are severe or complications develop, surgical treatment may be required. Pectus excavatum surgery aims to correct the chest deformity and thus reduce pressure on the stomach and esophagus.
As a result, the shoemaker's chest can put pressure on the stomach and esophagus, causing digestive system problems such as gastroesophageal reflux and difficulty swallowing. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of these problems is important for patients' health and quality of life.
Kaynaklar:
Koumbourlis, A. C. (2009). Pectus excavatum: pathophysiology and clinical characteristics. Paediatric respiratory reviews, 10(1), 3-6.
Haller, J. A., Loughlin, G. M., Leape, L. L., & Goldberg, M. J. (1996). Pectus excavatum: a 20-year surgical review of 664 patients. Journal of Pediatric Surgery, 31(8), 1002-1006.
Kunduracı Göğsünün Hastaya Zararları: Potansiyel Sağlık Riskleri. (2023).
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