My girlfriend has eben having more frequent problems with chest pains. Since I have known her, her breast bone is angled as much as 15 degrees towards her right (her left side sticks out and her right side is a bit sunken). She is a smoker trying to quit, and for some reason seems to be coughing alot as a result. The coughing is causing sharp, continuous pains in her chest and I think it has something to do with her poorly angles sternum. My questions follow:

1. Is the nuss treatment the only way to fix this problem?
2. What further problems can this cause?
3. What can be done to ease the sharp pains?

Thanks to any who can offer advice! The doctor she spoke to gave her an answer that has her accepting her fate. I hope someone can shed some serious light on what seems a serious issue. Thanks again