17 causes of pain in the right side of the chest
Right-sided
chest pain is not usually talked about as often, but can still indicate a
variety of problems.
1. Anxiety or stress
2. Muscle strain
3.
Trauma
. Costochondritis
5. Rib fracture
6. Pneumothorax
7.
Pleurisy
8. Pleural effusions
9. Pneumonia
10. Pulmonary hypertension
11. Pulmonary embolism
12. Lung cancer
13. Chest tumors
14. Heart disease
15. Shingles
16. Heartburn or acid reflux
17. Liver, gallbladder, or
pancreas problems
When to see a doctor
Outlook
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Pain in the right side of the chest
can result from direct injury or inflammation of certain structures,
or by referred pain. Referred pain is when pain originates in a different part
of the body.
Causes
Right-sided chest pain can be
caused by many different conditions, illnesses, and injuries. Here are 17
potential causes.
1. Anxiety or stress
Severe anxiety or stress can
trigger an anxiety attack. In some people, an anxiety attack has many of the
same symptoms of a heart attack, including chest pain, dizziness, heart
palpitations, and difficulty breathing.
An anxiety attack can be caused by
a stressful event or may occur randomly. As many of the symptoms are similar to
a heart attack, it is crucial for anyone who is uncertain about their symptoms
to seek medical attention.
2. Muscle strain
The chest wall is made up of many
different muscles. It is very easy to strain or sprain these muscles by
increased exercise or activity, or from stress or tension.
This type of chest pain, though it
can be uncomfortable, is easily resolved with rest and pain relievers available
for purchase over the counter or online.
3.
Trauma
A traumatic injury, such as from a
fall, a sharp blow to the chest, or a motor vehicle accident, can damage the
nerves, blood vessels, and muscles within the chest.
It is also possible to damage the
heart, lungs, or other internal organs with this kind of an injury.
Anyone who has an accident like
this should call the doctor or emergency services, as internal injuries are not
always apparent.
. Costochondritis
Costochondritis is an inflammation
of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the main breastbone in the front of
the chest.
The pain from costochondritis may
be severe and can be caused by intense coughing, infection, or traumatic
injury.
Costochondritis usually goes away
on its own, but people may need extra rest, pain relievers, and hot or cold
compresses to aid recovery.
5. Rib fracture
A rib fracture is a break
in the bones that protect the internal organs in the chest.
It can be very painful and can lead
to serious complications if not treated correctly.
Rib fractures are usually caused by
a fall or impact to the chest but can also be caused by severe coughing. If the
break is on the right side, it can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness in that
area.
6. Pneumothorax
A pneumothorax or collapsed lung
occurs when air escapes from the lung and gets into the space between the lung
and the chest wall.
This makes it difficult for the
lung to expand when breathing and can cause sudden and significant pain or
discomfort. Someone with this condition would also experience a shortness of
breath, a rapid heartbeat, and dizziness. They may even collapse suddenly.
7.
Pleurisy
Pleurisy is an inflammation of
the membranes that surround the lungs. This inflammation causes friction
between these two layers of tissue, which can cause sharp and severe pain when
breathing.
Usually, there is a thin
fluid-filled space in between the lining of the lungs and the lining of the
chest cavity. As someone breathes in and out, the lungs can glide over this tissue
smoothly.
8. Pleural effusions
A pleural effusion is the buildup
of fluid in between the layers of tissue outside of the lungs. It can cause
chest pain and shortness of breath. Breathing may get more difficult over time,
so it is essential to see a doctor.
9. Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection of
the lungs. It can be caused by many different bacterial, viral, and fungal
organisms.
People with pneumonia often
experience chest pain when breathing and coughing. Other symptoms of pneumonia
include fever, chills, a cough, and loss of appetite.
10. Pulmonary hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension is
a condition that causes high blood pressure in the blood vessels that
connect the heart and lungs.
Over time, this makes the heart
work harder to pump blood throughout the body and can cause chest pain.
11. Pulmonary embolism
Pulmonary embolism is a blood
clot that has become lodged in the lungs. It can be life-threatening if not
treated quickly.
If it occurs in the right lung, it
can cause right-sided chest pain. Additional symptoms include shortness of
breath, rapid breathing, and coughing up blood.
The pain and other symptoms of
pulmonary embolism usually come on suddenly and require emergency medical
attention.
12. Lung cancer
Lung cancer causes chest pain,
coughing, and shortness of breath as the growth starts to interfere with the
normal functioning of the lungs.
13. Chest tumors
Growths within the chest or chest
wall, whether or not they are cancerous, can also cause chest pain.
As the tumor grows, it
will put pressure on the nerves or blood vessels that are nearby, causing pain
or discomfort.
14. Heart disease
While most people associate
left-sided chest pain with a heart attack or other heart ailment, right-sided
pain is also possible, especially if heart disease affects the right
side of the heart.
15. Shingles
The virus that
causes chickenpox also causes shingles. Someone with this
condition has inflammation of a section of nerves, as well as the skin and
structures surrounding them.
If the affected nerves are in the
chest, it can cause chest pain. Shingles tends only to affect one side of the
body.
At first, shingles may cause pain
and sensitivity in one area, as well as a fever. It will later develop into a
painful, itchy rash.
16. Heartburn or acid reflux
Heartburn is caused by stomach
acid that has passed back up into the food pipe from the stomach.
The food pipe is located within the
chest, so it can cause chest pain that seems to come from the right side.
17. Liver, gallbladder, or
pancreas problems
These structures play a vital role
in normal digestion and have other essential functions. They are located in the
top of the right side of the abdomen.
Gallstones, pancreatitis, and
liver disease are just a few of the conditions that can cause referred pain in
the right side of the chest.
When to see a doctor
Whenever someone is experiencing
chest pain, regardless of the location within the chest, they should mention it
to their doctor promptly.
While there are many explanations
for right-sided chest pain that are not an emergency, there are some medical
conditions that require urgent care.
Signs that someone needs emergency
care include:
·
sudden onset of severe
chest pain
·
crushing pain in the chest
·
chest pain with shortness
of breath
·
pain that radiates to the
jaw or arms
·
chest pain accompanied by
dizziness or weakness
·
change in or loss of
consciousness
Outlook
The outlook for someone having
right-sided chest pain varies depending on the cause of the discomfort.
If pain persists despite treatment,
it is important to continue to follow up with the doctor for further diagnosis
and treatment.
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