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Is your mind reeling with all kinds of frightening thoughts regarding pain in the right side of your chest? Could it be a serious medical condition? Not every discomfort in the right side of the chest is serious, but some are. Many factors are responsible for right-sided chest pain, but the underlying cause may not be apparent. In this blog post, we will briefly explore 5 common causes of right-sided chest pain.
Synopsis
What Causes Right-Sided Chest Pain?
Right-sided chest pain can be a concerning symptom. Some of the potential causes for this type of chest pain are:
Musculoskeletal Problems or Injury
Any trauma to the chest or musculoskeletal issues, such as muscle strain, rib fracture, or costochondritis, could lead to aching chest pain. Muscle strain is the primary culprit of chest pain, especially if you've recently lifted something heavy, twisted your upper body, or engaged in intense physical activity. According to research, 28% of the right-sided chest pain is caused by muscle strain.1 This type of aching chest pain often worsens with movement, deep breaths, or when pressing on the affected area. Right-sided chest pain caused by muscle strain goes away without treatment within a few days. Rest or over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication can help relieve musculoskeletal pain faster.
Gastrointestinal and Digestive Issues
One of the most frequent but overlooked causes is chest pain due to gas. Also, gastrointestinal and digestive conditions like gastritis, acid reflux, and gallbladder issues can cause discomfort in the right side of the chest. Since the food pipe is located in the chest, acid reflux can cause chest pain, including on the right side.
Acid reflux, or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is the chronic backflowing of stomach acid into the oesophagus. Individuals with acid reflux experience burning or pain in the chest, coughing, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, and sore throat. While this pain may mimic chest pain symptoms of heart disease, it’s digestive in origin and usually responds to antacids or dietary adjustments.
Respiratory Conditions
Several lung-related issues can lead to chest pain symptoms on the right side. Issues such as pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), collapsed lung, and lung cancer could cause chest pain symptoms. Apart from chest pain, these respiratory conditions may also cause coughing and difficulty in breathing. These conditions require prompt medical evaluation and treatment.
Heart Problems
Most people associate left-sided chest pain with heart disease. In some cases, chest pain symptoms that begin on the right side may be a sign of a heart problem, especially in women, whose heart-related symptoms can be atypical. Individuals with a rare congenital heart defect called dextrocardia may also experience heart attack symptoms on the right side of the chest, not just the left side.
Pain may feel like pressure, tightness, or aching chest pain that spreads to the back, neck, or jaw. Other signs may include shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, or fatigue—all symptoms of a weak heart.
Gallbladder and Liver Problems
Many people don’t associate chest pain with liver or gallbladder issues, but these organs, located under the ribcage on the right side, can cause discomfort in the right side of the chest if they are inflamed or malfunctioning.
Gallstones or gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis) often cause sharp pain in the upper right abdomen that can radiate to the right chest, shoulder, or back. The pain typically follows a heavy or fatty meal and may be accompanied by nausea or vomiting. The extreme pain on the right side of the chest can last for several hours.
Liver conditions such as hepatitis or liver congestion can also cause a dull ache under the ribs on the right side that may be felt in the chest.
Treatment for Right-Side Chest Pain
Treatment for right-sided chest pain depends on the underlying cause. Medications like antibiotics, pain relievers, antacids, or blood thinners may be used for infections, inflammation, or digestive issues. Lifestyle changes such as rest, dietary adjustments for GERD, and stress management techniques can also help. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary—for example, gallbladder removal for gallstones or heart surgery for severe cardiovascular conditions. It’s essential to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan based on the root cause of the pain.
When Should I Consult a Healthcare Provider?
You should seek emergency care for right-sided chest pain if you experience:
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Faster or slower heart rate than usual
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Feel like you’re going to pass out
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Pain that is sudden and sharp and does not go away within a few minutes
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Pre-existing respiratory illness
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Shortness of breath
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Fever
Conclusion
Right-sided chest pain can stem from a variety of causes, ranging from mild muscle strain to more serious conditions involving the lungs, heart, or digestive system. While some instances are harmless and resolve on their own, others may require immediate medical attention. If you're ever in doubt or your symptoms persist, consult our expert cardiologist at Manipal Hospitals, Mukundapur. Book an appointment now.
FAQ's
Right-sided chest pain is discomfort or pain localised to the right side of the thoracic cavity. It can occur in patients with varying severity, from mild to severe aches. Additional symptoms may also appear, prompting the need for a thorough diagnosis and treatment.
Right-sided chest pain is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. A thorough physical examination, as well as tests such as blood examination, chest X-ray, electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, CT scan, and pulmonary function tests, may be ordered for an accurate diagnosis.
Some conditions, like muscle strain, can be conservatively treated at home with heat packs, but most right-sided chest pain cannot be managed at home. If your symptoms are worsening or do not get better, you must consult your healthcare provider.
If conditions like COPD and pulmonary embolism are not treated, enough oxygen does not reach the body and tissues, leading to life-threatening outcomes.
Most causes of right-side chest pain cannot be prevented. However, you can take the following measures:
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Avoid potential triggers for lung conditions, especially asthma
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Do not consume tobacco products
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Live a healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly, consuming a balanced diet, and managing stress
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Take blood thinners, if prescribed
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Undergo appropriate vaccinations
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Get prompt treatment for your underlying condition
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Practice good hygiene
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