Pectus excavatum does not weaken our immunity but can be associated with disorders that affect the immune system!
Since there is no information and evidence that pectus excavatum is directly related to low immunity, there can still be a link. You could have a weakened immune system from birth.
Asthma
There can be many reasons for weakened immunity in correlation with pectus excavatum, such as asthma, but that does not mean that the deformation creates weak immunity.
So, if you have asthma, you may be more likely to catch a cold or other infection.
Although asthma occurs the same way in patients with or without pectus deformity, breathing is already much more difficult in people with pectus.
In a recent 2017 study, researchers found that people with asthma tend to have suppressed immune systems.
Focus on improving the immune system!
You should boost your immunity if you have any health issues connected with chest malformation.
When we have pectus excavatum, we risk experiencing further health issues, and the only way to avoid this is to keep an immunity that will protect us from the consequences.
How to know that my immune system is weakened?
The body's defense against any illnesses and disorders is by the immune system, which is a complex network of organs, cells, and proteins that protects the body's cells.
When the immunity weakens, we will see several occurrences in our health that should signal us to start making changes.
If you experience a weakened immune system, you will be more sensitive to infections like pneumonia, meningitis, and bronchitis.
Your immune system will show you that there is trouble keeping up if you consistently get or have colds that won't go away.
Immunity is something that a person can improve or worsen depending on their lifestyle.
Moreover, unhealthy eating habits, alcoholism, and smoking might impair it, and because of that, you must keep a healthier lifestyle.
Stress
Stress is the number one cause of a weak immune system, whether you have or do not have pectus excavatum.
Because of this, meditation and yoga practice can manage your stress levels.
Patient's experience and my immunity-boost routine
Many patients talk about their experiences and think the pectus deformity is linked with their recurrent colds.
Due to the significance of their experiences, I believe this topic should remain open, and there should be no definitive answer. Colds and respiratory issues could show a link between our malformation and a weakened immune system.
When I am under stress and have duties that prevent me from paying adequate attention to my meals and routines, I often notice the slightest changes in my immunity and energy levels.
But the moment I feel even the smallest shifts in my well-being or vitality, I return to my regular regimen.
A nutritious, balanced diet, regular sleep, and exercise are beneficial for better well-being.
If you are noticing differences in your health that you are worried about, please contact your doctor for professional advice on how to improve your health.
Bottom Line
You may improve your immunity at any point in life, and positive changes can only come from healthy lifestyle changes.
Self-awareness is crucial, and I want to highlight this because knowing yourself helps you understand how your body responds to any modifications.
Feel free to comment with your thoughts about whether there may be a link between the sunken chest and the immune system. If so, how do you manage immunity changes?
Tell us about your routines and tips for living a healthier life.
I hope this blog post was helpful. I appreciate you for reading this.
7 Sources
- Disorders of the Immune System [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2023 Mar 20]. Available from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/disorders-of-the-immune-system
- How Colds and Asthma Are Linked [Internet]. [cited 2023 Mar 20]. Available from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-to-do-if-a-cold-makes-asthma-worse-200917
- Diminished pulmonary function in pectus excavatum: from denying the problem to finding the mechanism - PMC [Internet]. [cited 2023 Mar 20]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5056935/
- Is Asthma an Autoimmune Disease? [Internet]. [cited 2023 Mar 20]. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/asthma/is-asthma-an-immune-deficiency
- Immune system explained - Better Health Channel [Internet]. [cited 2023 Mar 20]. Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/immune-system
- Weak immune system: Symptoms and what to do [Internet]. [cited 2023 Mar 20]. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324930#tips-to-stay-healthy
- Reddit - Dive into anything [Internet]. [cited 2023 Mar 20]. Available from: https://www.reddit.com/r/PectusExcavatum/comments/vxt9m6/pectus_excavatum_frequent_sicknessescolds/