Right Side Chest Pain
People frequently experience chest pain, which can have a number of underlying causes. A right-sided chest pain or discomfort can be disturbing and may need to be treated right away if it radiates and gets worse over time.
What is Right Side Chest Pain?
Right-sided chest pain or discomfort can be caused by various factors, such as injury, inflammation, or underlying medical conditions. Most instances of right-side chest pain are harmless, but if the pain is sharp, dull, radiating, persistent in nature, and doesn’t subside on rest, it calls for immediate medical attention.
Causes of Right-Sided Chest Pain
Right-sided chest pain can be distressing, but it’s important to know that there are many possible causes—some are minor, while others might require medical attention. This guide will help you understand the various reasons behind right-sided chest pain and when to seek medical help.
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Muscle Strain
Sudden strenuous activity like lifting heavy weights and overexertion can strain the muscles in the chest, leading to pain. This type of pain usually subsides upon rest. If the pain persists, seeking medical help is required.
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Rib Injury
An injury to the chest from a trauma or fall can affect the chest area and cause a sharp pain, which may lead to breathing difficulty and coughing. Rest from strenuous activity will provide relief. But a medical evaluation can help in ruling out severe injuries.
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Gallbladder
Gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) can cause referred pain in the right side of the chest, which is often noticed after a heavy meal accompanied by  nausea or vomiting. This requires a medical examination and prompt treatment.
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Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
When stomach acid refluxes back into the oesophagus, it irritates the mucosa and causes acid reflux disease, or GERD. This manifests as a right-sided radiating burning sensation in the chest (heartburn).
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Lung Infections
Infections like pneumonia can cause inflammation in the lungs, leading to pain on one side of the chest. Immediate medical attention and support are very crucial in such conditions.
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Stress or Anxiety
Intense stress or anxiety can manifest physically, sometimes causing chest pain with shortness of breath that mimics heart issues. Practicing relaxation techniques and deep breathing helps.
- Â Liver Conditions
Liver inflammation can cause pain in the upper right abdomen that radiates to the right side of the chest. If dull or sharp pain is seen along with jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), fatigue, and nausea, consulting a healthcare expert is very important.
Right Side Chest Pain Symptoms
The symptoms of right-side chest pain can vary depending on the underlying cause. Some common symptoms include:
- Sharp or burning pain on the right side of the chest
- Pain that worsens with activity or movement
- Pain that radiates to the back, neck, jaw, or arms
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sweating
Treatment for Right Sided Chest Pain
The treatment for right-side chest pain or discomfort in the right chest depends on the underlying cause. Addressing these underlying causes with respective medical and supportive treatment becomes important.
- Muscle strain: It can be addressed with adequate rest, taking pain-relieving medication, and seeking physical therapy to improve the strain on the chest muscles.
- Gallbladder Disease: Requires medical treatment for pain relief, and in a few cases surgery may be indicated for the removal of gallstones.
- Lung Diseases: Prompt treatment of lung infections is essential to avoid life-threatening complications. The primary treatments include antibiotics, rest, and staying well-hydrated. In severe cases, particularly with pulmonary embolism, additional interventions such as blood thinners, oxygen therapy, or surgery may be required.
- Acid Reflux: Can be easily managed with a few lifestyle modifications, antacids, and proton pump inhibitors.
- Heart Attack: Emergency medical care like coronary angioplasty or bypass surgery may be necessary in severe cases.
- General management: lifestyle modifications, such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, and regular exercise. Stress management protocols, including meditation and counselling.
When to Seek Medical Help?
While some causes of right-sided chest pain are minor and manageable, others may signal a more serious condition requiring urgent medical attention. Seek immediate care if you experience severe or persistent chest pain that doesn’t improve with rest, accompanied by difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain radiating to the back, neck, or arm, or a sudden onset of chest pain with dizziness, sweating, or a rapid heartbeat.
