The article has been checked for accuracy (content includes links to reputable media sites, academic research institutions, and occasionally medical studies). All content on our website has been reviewed, however, if you believe our content is inaccurate, out of date or otherwise questionable, you may contact us to make the necessary corrections.
8 minutes
Pain on the right side of the chest is a frequent reason for consultation. Fortunately, most of the associated conditions have medical treatment.
Chest pain is a common cause for concern in people. It can range from a minor annoyance to a disabling stitch. There are different reasons for chest discomfort, so here are the 9 most common causes of chest pain on the right side.
The chest or thorax is the region of the body located between the neck and the abdomen. It contains the heart, lungs, esophagus, and large vessels such as the aorta and vena cava. These organs are surrounded by the ribs, thoracic spine, and sternum, as well as the intercostal muscles, pectorals, and back muscles.
Causes of right-sided chest pain range from compromise of bone and muscle structures to damage to the chest organs. Similarly, the discomfort can also be a reflection of the condition of other parts of the body.
1. Muscle Strain
Muscle strain is one of the most common reasons for chest pain on the right side. In general, usually occurs after a couple of days of having done some intense physical activity at home or the gym. The discomfort is a result of the breakdown and regeneration of muscle fibers.
The pectoralis major and minor muscles are usually the most affected. The pain is described as a stitch or compression of the chest that improves with rest and intensifies with exercise. In some cases it is accompanied by swelling and limitation to move the arms.
This condition usually goes away on its own after 1 to 2 days.. Professionals recommend rest and massages in the area, as well as the use of analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications.
2. Direct blows and rib fractures
Trauma to the chest from falls or direct blows is a common cause of right-sided chest pain. In the case of traffic accidents there may be vascular and nervous involvementand even internal organs.
Moderate to severe bumps are accompanied by pain, swelling, and redness of the affected area. Similarly, people may have difficulty moving limbs and bruises.
It is recommended to apply cold compresses for 10 to 20 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day, to relieve pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may be helpful.
Severe pain that limits breathing is common in rib fractures due to impact on the chest. In addition, it presents with an increase in the sensitivity of the area and swelling. In severe cases there is usually lung involvement and is accompanied by respiratory distress, agitation and loss of consciousness.
The treatment of fractures is exclusively medical. It is based on the immobilization of the area, the repair of the bone defect and the use of pain medications. Some people require physical therapy.
3. Costochondritis
This is a inflammatory disorder of the chondrosternal jointsresponsible for joining the ribs to the sternum. Studies state that this is the most common cause of pain in the anterior chest wall, being more common in women, with up to 75% of cases.
The pain appears at the level of the right or left chest and spreads to the center of the chest, back and abdomen. It usually worsens with inspiration and cough. In addition, palpation of the chondrosternal joints generates sharp and intense pain.
Medical treatment of costochondritis includes rest and the application of physical means, such as hot and cold compresses. Similarly, in acute cases local infiltration with anesthetics can be performed.
4. Panic attacks
Panic attacks are triggered by episodes of sustained stress or anxiety. this condition It usually leads to the appearance of symptoms very similar to those of a myocardial infarction.. In this sense, it is common for the person to report pain in the center of the chest that spreads to the right side, the jaw and the shoulder.
Other symptoms include the following:
- Tingling and numbness.
- Respiratory difficulty.
- profuse sweating
- Agitation.
- Pallor.
Suspecting a panic attack, it is advisable to close your eyes and breathe deeply to calm down. Should symptoms persist, medical attention should be sought as soon as possible.
5. Lung diseases
Lung conditions are a common cause of left and right chest pain. Studies They claim that it appears as a stitch in the chest that increases with inspiration, associated with cough and shortness of breath. Other common symptoms are fever and chills in case of infectious processes.
Pneumonia is usually the most common cause of this type of chest pain. Similarly, this discomfort can occur in the following cases:
- Pleuritis.
- Pneumothorax.
- Pleural effusion.
- Pulmonary embolism.
- Lung cancer.
Medical treatment depends on the underlying cause. In most cases, timely management leads to rapid relief of symptoms and a lower risk of complications.
6. Heart problems
Heart conditions are a very common cause of chest pain. They are common in people who are elderly, obese and have excessive consumption of cigarettes, coffee and alcohol.
Cardiac pain manifests as feeling of tightness in the chest accompanied by palpitations and perception of shortness of breath.
In myocardial infarction, discomfort occurs on the left side of the chest. However, in women the pain can appear on the right side of the chest, in the back, in the arm or in the shoulder. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, sweating, and loss of consciousness.
Similarly, arrhythmias are another common cause of this discomfort in adults and children. Immediate attention should be sought if any of these two pathologies are suspected.
7. Gastroesophageal reflux
This condition is the result of ascent of stomach acid towards the esophagus with the consequent irritation of the same. Reflux causes a burning, heartburn, or burning sensation inside the chest.
It is common for the discomfort to intensify after eating food. Other associated symptoms are the following:
- Dry cough.
- Difficulty to swallow.
- Sore throat.
- Frequent belching.
- Sensation of occupation in the throat and chest.
In general, changes in diet and lifestyle are essential to alleviate the condition. In some cases, doctors recommend medications that reduce heartburn and relieve symptoms. The gastroenterologist is the specialist to treat this condition.
8. Shingles
This is a condition characterized by a vesicular rash accompanied by severe pain due to reactivation of the varicella zoster virus. It is common in adults over 50 years of age and in people with decreased immunity.
Start with pain in the chest and in the intercostal region, plus the appearance of vesicles with a linear arrangement at 48 hours. The skin lesions usually evolve into scabs in 1 week, with definitive healing after 10 to 15 days.
Postherpetic neuralgia is the main complication of this condition.. Research state that it manifests itself with a burning or lancinating pain 30 days after the disappearance of the skin lesions.
9. Liver or gallbladder disease
Inflammation of the liver and gallbladder can cause pain on the right side of the chest, due to the proximity of both organs to the chest. Discomfort usually starts in the right side of the abdomen and spreads to the chest.
Some associated symptoms include the following:
- vomiting.
- dizziness
- Yellow skin.
- loss of appetite
Hepatitis and cholecystitis are some of the most frequent diseases. If you suspect a liver condition, it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist.
You should not hesitate to seek medical attention
Chest pain on the right side can be caused by a wide variety of situations. Some are simple and require rest and treatment at home. However, this symptom could be indicative of some serious damage that compromises life.
It is advisable to seek medical attention as soon as possible in case the pain is persistent and increases in intensity. Other warning symptoms include shortness of breath, high fever, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
You might be interested…