Locations:
Search IconSearch

Chest Pain in Children: When Should You Worry?

Most chest pain in kids isn’t worrisome, but there are some symptoms that deserve attention

child having chest pain

Your child approaches you with a hand on their chest directly over their heart. The look on their face says that something is very, very wrong. “It hurts,” they say between painful gasps. “It hurts a lot.”

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Moments don’t get more terrifying for parents. But here’s something to put your heart at ease: Chest pain in children is typically NOT a sign of a serious health condition — and rarely does it have anything to do with their heart or lungs.

So, what’s probably causing that scary chest pain? Let’s get some answers from pediatric cardiologist Kenneth Zahka, MD.

How children may describe chest pain

Let’s start with an uncomfortable reality. Chest pain in children can be stunning in its intensity. Kids may describe a stabbing pain — and it’s frequently felt on the left side of their chest over their heart.

This unexplained pain is often diagnosed as precordial catch syndrome, or PCS. (It’s also known as Texidor’s twinge, with the name referencing one of the physicians who first identified the syndrome in 1955.)

Aside from intensity and location, other common symptoms of PCS include chest pain:

  • Lasting only seconds or minutes before suddenly disappearing.
  • Getting worse when your child inhales, exhales or moves.
  • Affecting children and adolescents who are otherwise healthy.
  • Not being triggered by physical activity.
  • Often occurring while your child is at rest.

Now the good news: The most harm PCS typically does is cause worry. “It isn’t dangerous or life-threatening and usually resolves by adulthood,” states Dr. Zahka.

Advertisement

What causes precordial catch syndrome?

What causes PCS in children isn’t known for sure, but some believe the pain involves a compressed nerve or muscle cramp, says Dr. Zahka.

What’s agreed upon, though, is that the chest pain is not due to a heart issue.

Treatment for PCS

What can you do about PCS if it suddenly appears in your child? Basically, wait it out. Remember, the pain usually only lasts for a few minutes before vanishing.

If the pain recurs, you may want to try an anti-inflammatory medicine like ibuprofen.

Other typical causes of chest pain in children

PCS is just one explanation for chest pain in children. That hurt also could be due to:

  • Muscle or joint strain. Kids might get chest pain from doing different or more strenuous-than-normal activities, says Dr. Zahka. With a muscle or joint strain, pain often comes with a certain movement or by pressing on a certain area.
  • Inflammation. If your child’s ribs are tender adjacent to their breastbone, it may be a case of costochondritis (a type of inflammation). In adolescents aged 12 to 14, costochondritis accounts for up to 30% of chest pain complaints.

Pain from either of the above typically fades within a few days of rest and staying away from activities that aggravate the pain. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers can help reduce any discomfort.

When to be concerned about chest pain

Concerning pain related to the heart typically radiates out from within the chest, clarifies Dr. Zahka. Indications that chest pain in children may involve a more serious issue include pain that’s:

  • Very intense and long-lasting.
  • Triggered by physical activity.
  • Accompanied by fever, dizziness, shortness of breath or fainting.

Bottom line? When in doubt, get chest pain checked out.

“It’s never wrong to consult a healthcare professional if you are worried about your child’s chest pain symptoms or heart health,” reassures Dr. Zahka. “A pediatrician or pediatric cardiologist can help get to the bottom of it.”

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Health Library
Child Development

Related Articles

A parent checks a child’s thermometer while sitting on a couch
December 23, 2024/Children's Health
What To Do When Your Child Has the Flu

The flu can make kids seriously sick, so watch for signs of dehydration and breathing problems

Adult having a serious talk with a child in living room on a couch
December 20, 2024/Children's Health
How To Talk to Kids About Your (or Another Loved One’s) Serious Illness

It’s important to share the news in an honest and age-appropriate way and to open the lines of communication going forward

A parent holds a mug while their child is in bed with flushed cheeks
Should My Child Take Tamiflu?

Tamiflu can shorten your child’s illness and even help prevent the flu

Baby receiving a shot in their leg by healthcare provider
December 5, 2024/Children's Health
COVID-19 Vaccine for Kids: What To Know and Why It’s Important

Children as young as 6 months should get vaccinated, but dosage guidelines depend on kids’ ages and past vaccines

Happy, laughing child and caregiver sitting on couch holding video game controllers, playing video games
December 2, 2024/Brain & Nervous System
Are Video Games Good for You? Your Brain Thinks So

Imagination, completing tasks and social interactions are all key benefits for your brain

Parent hugging child within a glass house, with other siblings in the background outside of it
November 29, 2024/Children's Health
What To Know About Glass Child Syndrome

First things first: It doesn’t mean anybody did anything wrong

Baby, lying down, eyes closed, yawning
November 27, 2024/Children's Health
15 Signs That Your Baby Is Tired

Yawning is a clear signal, but frowning, ear-pulling and finger-sucking can be, too

Face of sleeping newborn baby, face being lightly touched by caregiver hand
November 19, 2024/Children's Health
Newborn Lip Blisters: What Causes Them and When To Seek Care

Your baby can develop lip blisters from an infection or because of the way they feed

Trending Topics

Person sitting on floor at night next to bed in deep thought, with partner sleeping in bed
Understanding Mental Load: What It Is and How It Affects You

When you get bogged down with mental tasks, you can experience mood changes, sleeplessness and more

Hands holding two different kinds of pain medications separated by a white line
Can You Take Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen Together?

You can alternate these OTCs to help with pain management and fever reduction

Smiling person with headphones on, sweeping floor in living room
Understanding Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT Exercise)

Non-exercise activity thermogenesis is all the activity we do that’s not technically exercise but is still important to your health and well-being

Ad