Precordial Catch Syndrome: Definition, 5 Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and How To Get Rid of It

Precordial Catch Syndrome: Definition, Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and How To Get Rid of It – As a parent, you are certainly panicked and worried when your child complains of pain in certain parts of the body, especially chest pains, either that feel sudden piercing or that make it difficult for the child to breathe.

Although chest pain experienced by a child is not a warning sign of a heart attack, you still need to know what is causing it. Chest pain in children is called a precordial catch syndrome.

What is Precordial Catch Syndrome?

Precordial catch syndrome (PCS) is a condition of chest pain that feels sharply piercing. Precordial means ‘in front of the heart’, so the source of the pain is only centered on the front chest of the heart.

Precordial catch syndrome most commonly affects 6-year-olds, adolescents, and young older persons starting at age 20, who have no history of any abnormalities or heart disorders that may be underlying. Chest pain due to the PCS is neither a serious medical condition, nor an emergency, as it is usually not dangerous.

Precordial Catch Syndrome Symptoms

The Precordial catch syndrome is commonly experienced by people who do not have a history of any heart defects. That’s why PCS often show no symptoms or significant physical changes. The heartbeat of a child who has a PCS is normal, so it does not show a pale face or wheezing breath sound.

But the most common symptom of PCS is prolonged shallow breathing. Some other signs and symptoms of precordial catch syndrome, may include:

• Chest pain during rest, especially when the child is bending.
• Complaining feels like it’s been pricked by a needle in the chest.
• The pain is centered on only one part of the chest, usually under the left nipple.
• The pain gets worse when breathing deeply
• It happens very briefly, only once or more than once a day.

Symptoms of chest pain in children due to PCS can also worsen with breathing, but generally gradually disappear on their own after lasting only less than a few minutes.

The severity of precordial catch syndrome varies between young children and young older persons. Some people will feel very disturbing pain, while others will feel excruciating pain that causes momentary vision loss.

Precordial Catch Syndrome Causes

This does not mean that your heart is troubled, what actually happens is the membrane that covers some organs such as the diaphragm called the pleura pressing or rubbing and therefore irritates the nerves close to the ribs. That is why the pain can begin on the chest wall or in the rib area, even in an inactive state.

Precordial Catch Syndrome Diagnosis

Whenever you or your child suffers from unexplained chest pains, see a doctor, even if it’s just to get rid of heart or lung emergencies.

If your child’s chest pain is caused by the precordial catch syndrome, your doctor will be able to rule out of heart or lung problems fairly quickly. The doctor will get your child’s medical history and then get a good understanding of the symptoms. Prepare to explain:

• When symptoms begin
• How long the pain lasts
• How the pain is felt
• What, if any, other symptoms are felt
• How often these symptoms occur

In addition to listening to the heart and lungs and checking blood pressure and pulse rate, there may be no other tests or screenings involved.

If according to the doctor, the heart may be a problem, and not a precordial catch syndrome, your child may need additional testing.

How to Get Rid Of Precordial Catch Syndrome

Although very uncomfortable, a precordial catch syndrome is not a medical emergency.

Trying to breathe deeply when it happens is difficult, but it can help the pain disappear faster. It can also be suggested to change positions such as straightening the body or bending or receiving a massage in the painful area until the pain disappears which usually takes about a minute.

If the complaint is not reduced or increased, it is best to consult a doctor so that a physical examination and additional examination can be performed to find out the cause of chest pain.

Your doctor may recommend nonprescription pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Motrin).

Read also:
Chest Pain After Eating: Causes, and How to Reduce It