Barrel chest: What causes it?

The term "barrel chest" describes a rounded, bulging chest that resembles the shape of a barrel. Barrel chest isn't a disease, but it may indicate an underlying condition.

For example, people who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — such as emphysema — often develop a slight barrel chest in the later stages of the disease. Because the lungs are chronically overinflated with air, the rib cage stays partially expanded. This makes breathing less efficient and aggravates any existing shortness of breath. In other cases, barrel chest may be related to osteoarthritis or simply the aging process.

Generally, barrel chest isn't treated.