Precordial (pree-KOR-dee-ul) catch syndrome causes someone to have a sharp, sudden pain in the chest. It usually happens over the left side of the chest and lasts just a few seconds. Taking a deep breath usually makes the pain worse. It often happens during rest or with a quick change in position.

Precordial catch syndrome does not have a serious cause. Most children outgrow it by the time they reach early adulthood, but some people still have it as adults. 

Here's how to care for your child.

• Reassure your child that the pain doesn't have a serious cause.
• When the pain happens, tell your child to take two or three slow, gentle breaths.
• If slow breaths do not help the pain, tell your child to take one or two deep breaths. This may make the pain worse for a couple of seconds, but then it should get better.
• Because the pain is brief and goes away on its own within a few minutes, pain medicines usually aren't needed.

• Your child's chest pain happens during exercise.
• Your child has chest pain with a fever and a cough.

Your child:

• Has chest pain after an injury to the chest
• Has any of these symptoms:
  • Dizziness
  • Fainting 
  • Palpitations (skipped heartbeats)  

What causes precordial catch? Healthcare providers don't know the exact cause of the pain. They believe it could be due to the pinching of a nerve along with a muscle spasm in the chest.

How is precordial catch syndrome diagnosed? Healthcare providers diagnose precordial catch syndrome by asking questions and doing an exam. Tests usually aren't needed.

How often does precordial catch happen? Precordial catch is not the same for all children. Some feel this pain every day, while others may go years without having any chest pain after the first episode.