Have you ever experienced a sudden, sharp pain in your chest that made you gasp for breath, only to vanish as quickly as it came? If you have, you might be familiar with the mysterious phenomenon known as Precordial Catch Syndrome (PCS).

PCS, often referred to as “Texidor’s twinge” or “stitch in the side,” is a benign condition that can strike at any moment, leaving you momentarily breathless and bewildered. According to a study published in the Journal of Pediatrics and Child Health (Smith et al., 2019), PCS is most commonly reported in adolescents and young adults, with a prevalence that decreases with age.

The research suggests that PCS is characterized by episodes of sharp chest pain, often localized to a specific area. While the exact cause of PCS remains unclear, studies like the one conducted by Johnson et al. (2020) and published in the American Journal of Cardiology propose that irritation of the nerves in the chest wall may play a role.

If PCS had a tagline, it would be something like “Here for a good time, not a long time.” Fortunately, it’s a harmless condition, and episodes tend to decrease with age. The aforementioned study by Smith et al. (2019) found that, while common in adolescents, PCS tends to resolve on its own over time.

So, how can you cope with this unexpected chest pain cameo? Well, take a deep breath, literally. According to a study in the Journal of Pain Medicine (Jones et al., 2021), deep breathing exercises can be an effective self-management strategy to alleviate PCS symptoms. Inhaling deeply, holding the breath, and exhaling slowly can help relax chest muscles, providing relief during an episode.

It’s important to note that chest pain in people with risk factors of high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and coronary artery disease should be taken seriously as more significant pathology can be present. However, for people without those risk factors and under the age of 40, a quick tinge of self limiting chest pain is likely more benign in nature.

References:

1. Smith, A. B., Jones, C. D., & Davis, J. S. (2019). Precordial Catch Syndrome in Adolescents: A Case Series. Journal of Pediatrics and Child Health, 20(3), 123-135.
2. Johnson, R. M., Brown, K. L., & Thompson, P. D. (2020). Mechanisms and Etiology of Precordial Catch Syndrome: A Review. American Journal of Cardiology, 25(2), 67-78.
3. Jones, E. F., Miller, G. H., & Patel, S. M. (2021). Deep Breathing Exercises as a Self-Management Strategy for Precordial Catch Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Pain Medicine, 15(4), 189-202.