Precordial Catch Syndrome In Children And Young Adults

If you feel a sudden and sharp pain in your chest, you may be suffering from a condition called precordial catch syndrome also known as Texidor’s twitch. Precordial catch syndrome in adults may not be very common; instead, it usually occurs in adolescents and children. But unlike a heart attack, this condition may not be life-threatening and may disappear on its own.

What Is Precordial Catch Syndrome or Texidor’s Twinge?

One of the common causes of chest pain is precordial catch syndrome. Precordial literally means the portion in front of your heart where you are feeling the pain. Sometimes, it is referred to as the Texidor’s twinge.

The pain occurs when the nerves located in front of your chest is aggravated or squeezed. This condition does not usually cause harm, and it is even not considered a medical emergency. Precordial catch syndrome in adults may not be common, but it usually affects older children and young adults.

Is Precordial Catch Syndrome Common In Adults?

Teenagers and young adults commonly experience precordial catch syndrome. Specifically, children from 6 to 12 years old are the ones who are mostly affected. Children at 6 years old and below may also experience this condition. But this condition is very rare in older adults.

Causes

The cause of this condition cannot be clearly determined. But experts ensure that this is not because of a lung or heart problem. Instead, this might be due to nerve irritation in the lung lining. Irritation may be due to various factors, such as poor posture and injury. Or maybe, due to the pain from your cartilage or ribs situated in the chest wall. Pain may also be due to a growth spurt.

Texidor’s twinge may not be related or doesn’t lead to other health conditions, but this might make you and your children experience anxiety, especially that it causes you or your children to suffer from periodic chest pain. This problem should be addressed to your doctor so that he can be able to suggest a remedy to avoid this condition.

Symptoms

Texidor’s twinge typically happens when you are at rest, especially if you are bending over or if you are in a slouched position. You will experience a sharp or needle-like pain in your chest and aggravates when you inhale. Usually, the pain is situated below the left nipple and is felt only a few seconds, but sometimes it can last at most 3 minutes.

The pain goes away on its own quickly, just as how it develops suddenly. But this can occur several times a day. The pain is also limited to the areas of the chest. But if it does, then it might be an indication of a life-threatening condition called a heart attack.

Furthermore, pain may vary depending on the individual. Some may experience intense pain, which causes temporary blurriness or vision loss. Others feel a dull but annoying pain. A pain that is smaller than two fingertips quickly goes away on its own.

There are no other physical changes and symptoms experienced by someone who has a precordial catch syndrome. Not even flushing, wheezing, or paleness. Although some reported feeling of lightheadedness, this might be due to prolonged deep breathing. Besides, the pulse rhythm and rate are normal too.

Treatment For Texidor’s Twinge

Texidor’s twitch has no specific treatment. Besides, it is not necessary as it typically goes away on its own. But your doctor may advise you to take a nonprescription pain reliever or an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen to help relieve the pain.

Sometimes, you are merely advised to relax and take gentle breaths. Although deep breathing may hurt, this is just momentary and the pain will just go away after one or two deep breathings. Some people are advised to go on even if it cost a brief stab or sharp pain.

If the pain is due to your posture, you can change your position from being bent over or slouching to sitting upright. Poor posture can trigger this condition and that is the reason why you should sit up taller to prevent further pain. If you notice your child is having a bad posture, make it a habit to make him sit or stand straight with his shoulders back.

Conclusion

Precordial Catch Syndrome in adults is not common, as it is usually experienced by older children and young adults. This condition is not life-threatening, but it causes pain in the chest, which could be irritating. Although there is no prescribed treatment for this, as it is not necessary, your doctor may suggest you take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines.

Dr. Ahmed Zayed

Doctor, author and fitness enthusiast, Ahmed Zayed, MD, is a surgery resident with a passion for helping people live a happy healthy life. He is the author of numerous health-related books and contributor to several medicine, health and wellbeing.