Barrel Chest In Newborns: Is It Normal?

A barrel chest is a rounded, bulging chest that is similar in shape to a barrel. It is not a disease in itself but is often a sign of other conditions that affect the lungs or joints in the chest and back. While it is more common in adults, it can also occur in children, especially those with cystic fibrosis or severe asthma. In newborns, a barrel chest may be indicative of a volume increase.

Causes of barrel chest in newborns

A barrel chest is a rounded, bulging chest that is similar in shape to a barrel. It is not a disease in itself but a symptom of several underlying conditions. While it is not usually painful, it is a sign of severe underlying lung disease or damage. Here are some of the common causes of barrel chest in newborns:

Asthma

Asthma is the most common cause of a barrel chest in children and adults. It is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and mucus to narrow the airways of the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. When asthma symptoms are severe, the airways can become blocked, leading to over-inflation of the lungs and a barrel chest. Seasonal allergies, colds, and flu can worsen asthma symptoms.

Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited genetic condition that affects the lungs and other parts of the body. It causes the mucus in the lungs to become thick and sticky, clogging the alveoli and restricting airflow. As a result, the chest may take on a barrel-like appearance as the person works harder to breathe.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

COPD is an umbrella term for several kinds of lung diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, that cause serious respiratory problems. It can lead to a barrel chest as the lungs become damaged and over-inflated. COPD is a progressive disease that worsens over time and can be life-threatening.

Arthritis

Arthritis in the rib, back, and chest wall joints can lead to a barrel chest, although this is more common in older adults. When arthritis affects the ribs and back, the joints can become stiff and inflamed, causing the ribs to appear stuck outwards. Different types of arthritis that can cause barrel chest include rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and costochondritis.

Rare Genetic Disorders

There are also rare genetic disorders that can cause barrel chest, such as Dyggve-Melchior-Clausen syndrome, Three M Syndrome, and sialidosis. These disorders can lead to skeletal deformities, including a barrel chest.

Symptoms of barrel chest

A barrel chest is a rounded, bulging chest that resembles a barrel. It is not a disease but a symptom of several underlying conditions. While it is usually not painful, it is a sign of severe lung disease or damage. The main symptom is a rounded and enlarged chest, as if the person is taking a very deep breath and holding it.

• Difficulty breathing (dyspnea)
• Reduced oxygen saturation levels
• High levels of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream
• Limited ability to exercise (exercise intolerance)
• Posture changes, such as hunching over
• Lung mucus or phlegm
• Difficulty moving or exercising

If you suspect that you or someone you know has a barrel chest, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Diagnosis of barrel chest

A doctor will usually be able to diagnose a barrel chest by simply looking at the patient. The chest will appear rounded and enlarged from front to back and from below the neck to above the abdomen. The patient's torso will be very round and their rib cage will look like it is expanded.

If a diagnosis is not clear, the doctor may recommend an X-ray of the chest and back to confirm. If the patient has an underlying lung condition, the doctor may also recommend lung function tests like spirometry to see how well the lungs are working. Blood tests may also be required to check blood gases and inflammation levels.

If the cause of the barrel chest is not clear, further tests may be needed to determine the underlying condition.

Treatment of barrel chest

A barrel chest is not a disease in itself but a symptom of several underlying conditions. While there is no specific treatment for a barrel chest, addressing the underlying cause can help manage the condition. Here are some ways to treat a barrel chest:

Treatments for Underlying Lung Conditions

• Daily medications: If a barrel chest is caused by a lung condition like asthma or COPD, daily medications are necessary to keep the condition under control. This can include the use of inhalers and bronchodilator medications to improve breathing and manage symptoms.
• Anti-inflammatory medications: Doctors may recommend anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling in the lungs and joints.
• Special diet: A special diet may be advised to help reduce inflammation in the body and improve lung function.
• Exercise therapy: Gentle exercises like swimming, stretches, and yoga can help improve breathing and potentially reduce the appearance of a barrel chest. However, it's important to note that these therapies cannot completely eliminate the condition.
• Pulmonary rehabilitation: This involves a range of techniques and treatments to improve lung function and manage symptoms.

Treatments for Underlying Joint Conditions

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): For a barrel chest caused by osteoarthritis, NSAIDs can help reduce the size of swollen tissue and manage pain and stiffness.
• Physical therapy: In the case of cystic fibrosis, physical therapy techniques on the chest and back can help loosen mucus in the lungs.

Surgical Options

While there is no common surgical treatment for a barrel chest, researchers are exploring surgical options to repair the rib bones and potentially correct the barrel chest appearance.

Prevention of barrel chest

A barrel chest is a rounded, bulging chest that is similar in shape to a barrel. It is not a disease in itself but a symptom of several underlying conditions. In adults, it is usually associated with osteoarthritis or COPD, while in children, it is often linked to cystic fibrosis or asthma.

Preventing COPD:

• Quitting smoking: Stopping smoking tobacco can significantly decrease the likelihood of developing COPD.
• Avoiding second-hand smoke: Maintaining a smoke-free home and reducing exposure to second-hand smoke is essential.
• Protective gear: When exposed to chemicals and pollutants, wear appropriate protective gear to minimise their impact on lung health.

Preventing Osteoarthritis:

• Active lifestyle: Regular physical activity helps strengthen cartilage and reduce the risk of osteoarthritis. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise five times a week to stabilise the knees and hips.
• Healthy body weight: Excess body weight can strain joints and tendons, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis.
• Moderate sugar intake: Sugars contain molecules that stiffen cartilage, so keeping blood glucose within normal limits is beneficial.
• Injury prevention: Take measures to avoid injuries and physically risky situations, as fractures and damaged cartilage increase the risk of osteoarthritis.

Preventing Cystic Fibrosis:

As cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition, there is currently no method to prevent its onset. However, the following steps can help manage the condition and reduce the severity of mucus build-up:

• Regular fluid intake: Drinking enough fluids helps to thin the mucus.
• Exercise: Physical activity can help loosen mucus in the lungs.
• Avoid irritants: Stay away from cigarette smoke and industrial fumes to minimise mucus buildup.

Frequently asked questions