Precordial Catch Syndrome Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

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Precordial Catch Syndrome

This article emphasizes about the cause, symptoms and treatment of Precordial Catch Syndrome.

 

What is Precordial Catch Syndrome?

It’s basically a chest pain which mainly occurs when nerves found in front of the chest are aggravated or squeezed.

The above condition is not a medical emergency and in no way causes any harm to the body. It mostly affects adolescents and children.

 

Symptoms of Precordial Catch Syndrome?

Please note that the pain acquired by people in cases of precordial catch syndrome lasts only for a few minutes. It has been observed that this pain often comes suddenly when your child is taking rest.

The discomfort due to this sudden pain is described as a stubbing and sharp pain which looks to be localized at a specific part of the chest.

In most cases, the pain occurs below the left nipple. In some cases, the pain may get worse if the child is taking deep breaths.

 

What causes precordial catch syndrome?

Well, the exact cause that triggers pain is not known. But it’s not usually caused due to a heart or lung problem.

Some experts of this field suggest the pain arises mainly because od the irritation of nerves in the lining of the lung (pleura). At times, doctors also blame ribs or cartilage to produce the sensation of pain.

Th reason why nerves get irritated can be due to poor posture or due to an injury. It may also happen due to a blow to the chest.

 

How is precordial catch syndrome diagnosed?

If you notice your child is experiencing an unexplained chest pain, you need to see a doctor even if there is not a known cause.

You need to call am expert if the pain is also accompanied by

  • Shortness of breath
  • Severe headache
  • Nausea
  • Lightheadedness

In case, your child’s pain is caused due to this syndrome, the doctor can easily rule out other issues. He will get a medical history of your child to grab the understanding of the symptoms. He may ask you questions like:

  • How often these symptoms occur
  • What, if any, other symptoms were felt
  • How the pain felt
  • How long the pain lasted
  • When symptoms began

The medical expert will have to check all the probable symptoms to rule out some known causes. In case, he thinks your child has some heart related issues, he may require additional testing.

In most cases, no further tests are required. In case, if it gets confirmed that your child is having pain due to it and still orders some additional testing, ask him the reason.

It’s because you may like to have second opinion mainly to avoid unnecessary testing.

 

Also Read: How Your Ankles Can Indicate A Heart Disease

 

Can precordial catch syndrome cause complications?

In most cases, it doesn’t cause any serious problems. But it can produce anxiety in parents.

So, if you experience chest pain most often, you need to discuss it with your doctor.

 

How to Treat?

If a person is found to have this condition, there are no specific treatments recommended. In most cases, your doctor may prescribe some pain relievers like ibuprofen (Motrin).

There are times when a slow and gentle breath can help relieve pain. There are instances where a deep breath or two help to get rid of the pain.

As poor posture generally triggers precordial catch syndrome, you can try sitting up taller to avoid it in the future.

In case, if you notice your child hunched over while sitting, you can ask them to sit and stand straighter with shoulders back.

 

Outlook for Precordial Catch Syndrome

Please note that precordial catch syndrome mainly affects teens and children. Young adults in their 20s are also found to be suffering from it.

In most cases, it goes by its own. As the pain often becomes uncomfortable, precordial catch syndrome is completely harmless and don’t need any specific treatment.

 

Also Read: Study Finds Testosterone Not Responsible for Heart Problems In Men