Is pigeon chest a serious problem?

Q: My 10 months old daughter has developed pigeon chest around 15 days back. Why has this happened? The doctors that we consulted say that it must have been always there as it is due to Vitamin D deficiency and will be fine as child grows. Please clarify.

A:Pigeon chest or "Pectus carinatum" is the shape of the chest wall since birth. Any acquired cause as Vitamin D deficiency needs to be ruled out but usually it is only a cosmetic problem and not a functional one. This condition usually doesn't require any active management.