Sudden, sharp chest pain can be alarming—but in many cases, it’s not linked to a heart attack or any serious condition. For younger people in particular, one of the most common causes is a harmless condition called Precordial Catch Syndrome (PCS). Still, it’s important to consider other possible reasons for this type of discomfort.
Precordial Catch Syndrome (PCS)
What Is It?
PCS is characterized by a sudden, intense stabbing pain, typically felt on the left side of the chest, often just below the left nipple. Despite its alarming sensation, it’s not heart-related and is medically harmless.
Who Is Affected?
Most commonly seen in children, teens, and sometimes adults
Often occurs during growth spurts or with poor posture
Symptoms:
Sharp, pinpointed pain (often compared to a pinprick or knife)
Typically occurs while sitting or resting
Gets worse with deep breaths
Usually lasts only seconds to a few minutes
No accompanying symptoms like nausea, sweating, or dizziness
Does not radiate to other areas like the arm or jaw
Causes:
Believed to result from a pinched or irritated nerve in the chest wall
Poor posture or slouching may compress nerves and trigger the pain
Often appears during times of stress or anxiety
Treatment:
No medical treatment is needed
The pain usually subsides on its own
Sitting or standing upright can help relieve the pressure
Gentle breathing may ease the discomfort
Other Potential Causes of Sharp Chest Pain
Though PCS is quite common, other issues could also be behind similar sensations:
Muscle Strain
Caused by overexertion, awkward sleeping positions, or lifting heavy objects
Pain worsens with movement or when pressing the sore area
Though sharp, the pain is muscular rather than internal
Costochondritis
Involves inflammation of the cartilage that links the ribs to the breastbone
Pain is sharp and tender, especially when breathing deeply or touching the chest
Pleurisy
An inflammation of the pleura, the lining around the lungs
Pain increases with deep breaths or coughing
May occur with respiratory infections like pneumonia
Gas or Acid Reflux
Digestive issues like trapped gas or GERD can mimic chest pain
Accompanied by bloating, burping, or a burning feeling in the chest
Anxiety or Panic Attacks
Stress and anxiety can cause chest discomfort due to rapid breathing and muscle tension
Pain may feel stabbing or tight and is often paired with a fast heartbeat, sweating, or dizziness
When to Seek Medical Attention
Most stabbing chest pains aren’t dangerous, but you should see a doctor immediately if you experience:
Pain lasting longer than 10 minutes
Pain that spreads to your jaw, arms, neck, or back
Difficulty breathing
Nausea, dizziness, or excessive sweating
A personal or family history of heart disease
Conclusion
Sudden sharp chest pain isn’t always a cause for alarm, especially if it’s due to something benign like Precordial Catch Syndrome. Still, staying aware of your symptoms and knowing when to seek help is key. When in doubt, it’s always better to get checked out.
Pharmacist reveals two w:arning signs of silent k𝓲llєr that you might spot in your feet
We all know the significance of diet and exercise for good health, but did you know that your feet could be telling you something about your health?
It turns out that our feet can hold a few warning signs about a serious condition, as per a pharmacist.
Kinga Krzeminska/Getty
When was the last time you had a proper look at your trotters?
Noel Wicks, a pharmacist and advisor to Excilor, has shared the importance of getting up close and personal with the much-maligned body part.
So, what should we look out for?
He told the Express about how the feet could w:ar:n you about two serious conditions, but your socks and shoes could be hiding important information.
He shared: “We need to keep an eye on our foot health, including our toenails, because it can impact on our overall health and be a sign of [serious] health issues.”
As the blood vessels that supply the toes are small, it’s easy for them to get clogged up.
This can lead to cold, painful, swollen, or even numb feet.