Barrel chest
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Barrel chest generally refers to a
human growth hormone (HGH) in the body). Barrel chest, as a medical condition, is most commonly related to osteoarthritis as individuals age. Arthritis can stiffen the chest causing the ribs to become fixed in their most expanded position, giving the appearance of a barrel chest.[1]
Barrel chest refers to an increase in the anteroposterior diameter of the
chest wall resembling the shape of a barrel, most often associated with emphysema
. There are two main causes of the barrel chest phenomenon in emphysema:
- Increased compliance of the lungs leads to the accumulation of air pockets inside the thoracic cavity.
- Increased compliance of the lungs increases the intrathoracic pressure. This increase in pressure allows the chest wall to naturally expand outward.[2]
Barrel chest occurs naturally in native people who live at altitudes of over 5500 m, e.g. the Himalayas or the Andes. These natives also have polycythemia and other accommodations for high altitude life.[3]
See also
- Barrel
- Pectus carinatum (convex but peaked)
- Pectus excavatum (concave, sunken)
- Respiratory examination
References
- ^ Rosenow III, M.D., Edward. "What causes barrel chest?". Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 14 March 2013.
- ^ "Barrel chest: What causes it? - MayoClinic.com". Archived from the original on 23 October 2008. Retrieved 2008-11-20.
- ^ Ganong's review of medical physiology