From the Research
Precordial catch syndrome is a benign condition that can be managed with reassurance, as it is not related to heart problems and resolves spontaneously. The condition is characterized by sharp, stabbing chest pain that typically occurs in children and young adults, usually localized to a small area on the left side of the chest, lasting for 30 seconds to 3 minutes, and often triggered by a change in posture or during rest 1. Management primarily involves reassurance that the condition is harmless, and during an episode, taking shallow breaths rather than deep breaths may help reduce pain, and some patients find relief by slowly straightening their posture.
Some key features of precordial catch syndrome include:
- The pain is sudden, brief, and periapical
- It is easily localized and nonradiating
- It is nonexertional and intensified by inspiration 2
- It typically occurs during rest or very mild activity and never on exertion 3
The exact cause of PCS remains unknown, but it's believed to be related to a pinched nerve or irritation of the intercostal muscles or pleura (the lining around the lungs). Despite its alarming nature, PCS does not cause any long-term health problems or complications, and patients can be reassured that the condition typically becomes less frequent with age and often disappears entirely by adulthood. Over-the-counter pain medications are rarely necessary but can be used if the pain is particularly bothersome. Reassurance and a thorough physical examination to exclude other pathologic disorders are essential in managing precordial catch syndrome 1, 4.