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Children's health

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11 year old with chest pains / breathing irregularly

3 replies

webchap · 08/09/2020 10:36

Hi all, new here so first post. My very active 11 year old son, around 3 months ago, started to have chest pains that he described as short stabbing pains under his left nipple. They last between 30 seconds and a few minutes. Comes and goes during the day whether sat down relaxing or in the car mainly. Took him to the doctors and they diagnosed Precordial Catch Syndrome which I had never heard of before.

They said it is to do with growing pains and can happen with kids up to the age of 12 so not unduly concerned until around 3-4 weeks ago when he started to breath irregularly. He will take around 10-12 normal / shallow breaths then suddenly breathe in deeply making a loud noise. Been doing this consistently during the day since then but at night when sleeping he doesn't do it.

He plays football 5 times a week so very fit and not an ounce of fat on him. On Friday after training he said he was struggling to breathe and got rather upset and panicky. He hadn't had much to eat before training to gave him something and it settled down and next morning he was fine. Played matches Saturday and Sunday all fine.

Took him to the doctors yesterday and they checked him over and I mentioned that I had been googling the symptoms (I know!!) and one possibilty is Leukaemia which I don't think it is but best to mention to the GP as it often gets overlooked. She said doesn't think it is that but for peace of mind he is booked in for a blood test and chest X-Ray so can't fault our local doctors.

They also gave him an inhaler for times where he is struggling to breathe and a Peak Flow Test kit to use. For his height he should be getting 360 but this morning his three goes were 250/260/300 so lower than expected so could be asthma?

Just wondering if anyone else's kids have experienced this breathing and/or chest pains whilst growing up?

OP posts:
Suzi888 · 08/09/2020 10:44

Years ago (I’m 42 now) I had a heart ultrasound and they found a murmur and a mitrial heart valve fault. I was breathless with a constant cough, no pain though. But I wasn’t overly exerting myself / super sporty.

ChanceChanceChance · 08/09/2020 10:46

I have no experience but Flowers and a bump for you, I hope the docs find out what it is soon.

TimeRider · 10/02/2024 18:46

Hi @webchap I've come across this post while searching for chest pains. My son's situation is very similar to what you described. He's 11, does a lot of sport, and has experienced chest pain and breathing difficulties. On the odd chance that you will read this, please could you update on what's happened with your son since you posted 3 years ago? Thanks so much.

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