Chest pain always feels alarming, no matter where you feel it. If you experience sudden, severe right side chest pain, crushing pressure, shortness of breath, or pain radiating to your arm or jaw, seek emergency care immediately. Right-sided chest pain refers to discomfort on the right side of your chest.
This pain has many potential causes of chest pain, ranging from minor issues to serious conditions. For instance, non-cardiac chest pain accounts for a notable percentage of emergency department visits. Common causes of right-side chest pain often include pleurisy, digestive problems like gallstones or GERD, and muscle strains. This blog will help you understand the causes of right-side chest pain, how doctors diagnose it, and when you should see a medical professional.
Key Takeaways
Right-sided chest pain has many causes. These range from simple muscle strains to serious heart problems.
Seek emergency care for severe pain. Also get help for trouble breathing, or pain spreading to your arm or jaw.
Doctors use exams, imaging, and blood tests to find the cause of your pain. This helps them give you the right treatment.
Do not ignore persistent chest pain. See a doctor if your pain lasts, gets worse, or comes with other worrying symptoms.
When to Seek Emergency Care for Right-Sided Chest Pain
Understanding when right-side chest pain signals a serious problem is very important. You must know the signs that mean you need immediate medical help. Do not delay seeking care if you experience any of these critical symptoms. Your quick action can save your life or the life of someone else.
Immediate Warning Signs
Certain signs with right side chest pain mean you need immediate treatment. These are not symptoms you should wait to see if they improve. You need urgent medical attention for these issues.
Difficulty breathing: If you struggle to breathe, this is a serious warning sign.
A pulmonary embolism: This is a blood clot in your lungs. It requires immediate medical care.
Severe asthma attack or COPD flare-up: If you have asthma or COPD and cannot speak more than a few words due to breathing trouble, seek emergency help.
These warning signs indicate a potential emergency. They mean you should get medical help right away.
Symptoms Requiring 911 Call
You must call 911 or your local emergency services immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms with your right-side chest pain. These are signs of a medical emergency.
New or sudden pain: If you feel new chest pain that comes on very suddenly, call 911.
Pain lasting longer than five minutes: If your pain does not go away after five minutes, even with rest, it is an emergency.
Crushing or squeezing sensation: A feeling of severe pressure, squeezing, or crushing in your chest is a classic heart attack warning sign. This pain often does not improve with rest.
Pain radiating to other areas: If your chest pain spreads to your arm (especially the left arm), shoulder, back, neck, jaw, or stomach, it can signal a heart problem. Aortic dissection, a serious condition, can cause sudden, tearing pain that moves to your back.
Shortness of breath: Sudden difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, or feeling like you cannot get enough air are critical symptoms. A pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in the lungs, can cause right-sided chest pain if it occurs in the right lung. This condition is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention, especially if symptoms like shortness of breath, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, or coughing (with or without blood) come on suddenly.
Dizziness or lightheadedness: Feeling dizzy or like you might faint can be a sign of a serious issue.
Sweating: Breaking out in a cold sweat without a clear reason can be an emergency symptom.
Increased heart rate: A sudden, rapid heartbeat can also be a warning sign.
Pain worse with exertion: If your chest pain gets worse when you do physical activity, it could indicate a heart problem.
Pleuritic chest pain: This is sharp pain that gets worse when you breathe in deeply. It can signal conditions like a pulmonary embolism or pneumothorax (collapsed lung).
Pain with swallowing: If swallowing triggers or worsens your chest pain, it could point to an issue with your esophagus.
Do not try to drive yourself to the hospital. Call 911 so medical professionals can start treatment on the way. Recognizing these symptoms and acting quickly is crucial in an emergency. This is when to call the doctor for immediate help.
Musculoskeletal Causes of Right-Sided Chest Pain
Sometimes, the source of your chest discomfort comes from the structures that support your body. These include your muscles, bones, and cartilage. Understanding these causes of right-side chest pain can help you identify potential issues.
Muscle Strain or Injury
You can strain muscles in your chest wall. This often happens from heavy lifting, intense exercise, or sudden movements. A muscle strain causes a dull ache or sharp pain. You might feel this pain when you move, stretch, or breathe deeply. Direct injury to the chest can also bruise muscles. This leads to localized right side chest pain. Rest and pain relievers usually help these injuries heal.
Costochondritis
Costochondritis is inflammation of the cartilage connecting your ribs to your breastbone. This condition often causes sharp, localized pain. You might feel this pain on your right side. The pain usually worsens when you take a deep breath, cough, or press on the affected area. Costochondritis typically resolves on its own within a few days. However, in some cases, the duration can extend to several weeks or even months. Most individuals achieve full recovery from these symptoms.
Rib Fractures or Bruises
A direct blow to your chest can cause a rib fracture or bruise. This leads to significant right-side chest pain. You will feel sharp pain when you breathe, cough, or move. In a study of 380 patients, 46% of all rib fractures were located on the right side of the chest. This shows that right-side chest pain from rib injuries is common. Healing takes time, and you need to manage the pain.
Shingles
Shingles is a viral infection. It can cause pain before a rash appears. The virus affects nerve pathways. If it affects nerves on your right side, you will feel burning or tingling right-side chest pain. A painful rash with blisters then develops in the same area. Early treatment can help reduce the severity and duration of your symptoms.
Digestive Causes of Right-Side Chest Pain
Your digestive system can also cause right-side chest pain. Problems with organs like your esophagus, gallbladder, or liver often lead to discomfort in this area. Understanding these causes of right-side chest pain helps you identify potential issues.
Acid Reflux (GERD)
Acid reflux happens when stomach acid flows back into your esophagus. This causes a burning sensation in your chest. You might feel this as right side chest pain. This condition is also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease. The pain from acid reflux often worsens after you eat or when you lie down. Many people describe it as indigestion or heartburn. Frequent acid reflux can irritate your esophagus. You can manage acid reflux with lifestyle changes and medication.
Gallstones and Cholecystitis
Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in your gallbladder. They can block bile ducts. This causes severe pain, especially after you eat fatty foods. This pain typically occurs in your upper right abdomen, under your right ribcage. However, it can spread to your right arm, shoulder, or your back between your shoulder blades. Sometimes, you experience gallstone pain in the middle of your abdomen or chest. This can feel like indigestion or heartburn, or even a heart attack. Other symptoms include fever, shaking, chills, nausea, vomiting, and excess gas. When gallstones cause inflammation of the gallbladder, doctors call it cholecystitis. This condition requires medical attention.
Liver Conditions
Your liver is on your right side. Certain liver conditions can cause right-sided chest pain. For example, hepatic hydrothorax involves fluid buildup around your right lung. This fluid compresses your lung and causes pain. You might also experience shortness of breath, a dry cough, and fatigue. Another condition, Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome, causes sudden, severe pain in your upper right abdomen. This pain can radiate to your arm and shoulder. This condition involves inflammation around your liver, often due to a bacterial infection. You may also have fever, chills, and a general feeling of illness.
Peptic Ulcers
Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the inside lining of your stomach or the upper part of your small intestine. While ulcer pain usually occurs in the upper middle abdomen, a duodenal ulcer can sometimes cause pain in your right upper abdomen. More rarely, it can manifest as right-sided chest pain. This specific pain can occur in the T6 to T7 dermatomal segments. This means the pain can feel like it comes from your chest wall. This can lead to confusion with other causes of right-side chest pain. Treating the ulcer usually resolves this pain.
Respiratory Causes of Right-Sided Chest Pain
Your respiratory system includes your lungs and airways. Problems in these areas can often lead to discomfort. You might feel this as right side chest pain. Understanding these causes of right-side chest pain helps you know when to seek help.
Pleurisy
Pleurisy is an inflammation of the pleura. This is the lining around your lungs and chest cavity. When this lining becomes inflamed, it causes sharp pain. You feel this pain when you breathe deeply, cough, or sneeze. If the inflammation is on your right side, you will experience right-sided chest pain. Viral infections often cause pleurisy.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection in your lungs. It can affect one or both lungs. This infection causes inflammation in the air sacs. You might develop a cough, fever, and chills. If pneumonia affects your right lung, you can feel right-side chest pain. This pain often worsens with deep breaths or coughing. Other symptoms include shortness of breath and fatigue.
Bronchitis
Bronchitis means your bronchial tubes are inflamed. These tubes carry air to and from your lungs. Acute bronchitis often follows a cold or flu. It causes a persistent cough. This cough can lead to chest soreness. If the inflammation is more pronounced on your right side, you might feel discomfort there. Chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition. It also causes a cough and chest tightness.
Pulmonary Embolism
A pulmonary embolism is a serious condition. It happens when a blood clot blocks an artery in your lungs. This blockage can cause sudden, sharp right side chest pain. You might also experience sudden shortness of breath. Other symptoms include a rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and coughing. A pulmonary embolism is a medical emergency. You need immediate medical attention if you suspect this condition.
Cardiac Causes of Right Side Chest Pain
You might think of heart problems as causing pain on your left side. However, cardiac issues can sometimes cause right side chest pain. These heart conditions are serious. You should not rule them out without a doctor’s evaluation. Atypical presentations of heart conditions can manifest as right-sided pain. This means the pain does not always appear in the usual spot.
Pericarditis
Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium. This is the sac that surrounds your heart. This inflammation can cause sharp, stabbing chest pain. You might feel this pain in the center or on the left side of your chest. Sometimes, you feel it on the right side. The pain often gets worse when you lie down or take a deep breath. Sitting up and leaning forward can make it feel better. Other symptoms include fever and fatigue.
Atypical Angina or Heart Attack
Angina is chest pain from reduced blood flow to your heart. A heart attack happens when blood flow to a part of your heart is completely blocked. While classic symptoms often involve the left side, heart problems can present differently. You might experience right-side chest pain. This is an atypical presentation.
With a heart attack, pain typically occurs in the middle of the chest. It may spread to your back, jaw, or left arm. Less commonly, it can spread to your right arm. It is also possible for the pain to manifest in these other locations without any chest pain at all.
This means you could have a heart attack even if your pain is on the right. You might also feel shortness of breath, sweating, or dizziness. Do not ignore these symptoms.
Aortic Dissection
Aortic dissection is a very serious condition. It involves a tear in the inner layer of your aorta. The aorta is the main artery carrying blood from your heart. This tear causes sudden, severe pain. You might describe it as a tearing or ripping sensation. This pain often starts in your chest and can spread to your back. If the tear is on the right side of your aorta, you could feel right-sided chest pain. This condition is life-threatening. It requires immediate emergency medical care.
Other Potential Causes of Right-Side Chest Pain
Sometimes, your right-side chest pain comes from less common sources. These issues might not involve your heart, lungs, or digestive system. You should still understand them.
Anxiety and Panic Attacks
Your mind can affect your body in powerful ways. High levels of stress or anxiety can trigger physical symptoms. You might feel chest pain during periods of stress or anxiety. Panic attacks often include chest pain as a main symptom. This pain can feel sharp or like pressure. It can make you worry more. Studies show that chest pain occurs in 22% to over 70% of panic attacks. If you experience stress and anxiety, these feelings can cause real physical discomfort.
Nerve Compression
A pinched nerve in your upper back can cause chest pain. Doctors call this thoracic radiculopathy. This condition can cause pain in your chest or torso. You might feel a burning or radiating sensation. This pain can appear in your shoulder blade, back, chest, or stomach wall. Sometimes, you feel a “band-like” chest pain around a specific rib. This pain usually happens on one side of your body. It can get worse when you cough or strain. Therefore, a pinched nerve can certainly cause right-sided chest pain.
Tumors or Cysts
Growths in your chest can also cause discomfort. Tumors or cysts can press on nerves or other structures. This pressure leads to right-side chest pain.
Bronchogenic cysts are growths that form during development.
These cysts often appear near the right side of your windpipe or main airways.
They can also form in unusual places, like the inner wall of your chest or on the right side of your lung lining. A cyst in your right chest sidewall can cause pain.
Diaphragmatic Hernia
Your diaphragm is a muscle that separates your chest from your abdomen. A diaphragmatic hernia happens when an organ pushes through a weak spot in this muscle. This can cause pain in your chest or abdomen. If the hernia is on your right side, you might feel right-side chest pain. This pain can worsen after you eat or when you lie down.
Diagnosing Right-Sided Chest Pain
When you experience right side chest pain, understanding the cause is the first step toward relief. Doctors use several methods to determine what is causing your discomfort. This process often involves a combination of examinations and tests.
Medical History and Physical Exam
Your doctor begins by taking a thorough medical history. They ask about your symptoms. This includes when your right-side chest pain started, its intensity, and what makes it better or worse. They also perform a physical exam. This helps them check for tenderness, listen to your heart and lungs, and look for other signs. This initial step is crucial for guiding the diagnosis.
Imaging Tests
Doctors often use imaging tests to pinpoint the cause of your right side chest pain. A chest X-ray can detect lung conditions. CT scans help identify blood clots or internal injuries. For issues with your gallbladder and liver, doctors use ultrasound. These tests provide clear pictures inside your body. For liver problems, diagnosis typically involves blood tests and imaging. If doctors suspect a pulmonary embolism, CT scans, blood tests, and ultrasounds are commonly used for diagnosis.
Blood Tests
Blood tests offer important clues. They can check for signs of inflammation or infection. Doctors also look for specific markers. These markers can indicate heart damage or other organ issues. For example, certain enzymes in your blood can rise during a heart attack.
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) checks your heart’s electrical activity. This test helps rule out cardiac causes of your right-sided chest pain. It can show if you have an acute pulmonary embolism. An ECG might reveal a fast heart rate or changes in heart rhythm. It can also show signs of right heart strain or enlargement. For instance, a specific pattern called S1, Q3, T3 can suggest a pulmonary embolism. These findings help doctors understand your heart’s health.
Endoscopy or Colonoscopy
If digestive issues seem likely, you might need an endoscopy or colonoscopy. An endoscopy evaluates acid reflux or other upper digestive problems. A colonoscopy checks your lower digestive tract. These procedures allow doctors to directly view the inside of your digestive system. This helps them find the exact cause of your right-side chest pain. This comprehensive diagnosis and testing approach ensures you get the right care.
When to See a Doctor for Right-Side Chest Pain
You might wonder when to see a doctor for your chest discomfort. While some causes of right-side chest pain are minor, others require professional evaluation. Do not ignore persistent or unusual symptoms. Your health is important.
Persistent or Worsening Pain
You should see a doctor if your right-side chest pain does not go away. Pain that lasts for several days or weeks needs attention. Also, seek medical help if your pain gets worse over time. This includes pain that becomes more intense or happens more often. Persistent pain can signal an underlying issue. A doctor can help you find the cause.
Pain with Other Concerning Symptoms
Pay attention if your right side chest pain comes with other symptoms. These additional signs can point to a more serious problem. For example, see a doctor if you have:
Unexplained weight loss
A persistent cough
Fever or chills
Swelling in your legs
Difficulty swallowing
Changes in your bowel habits
These symptoms, combined with chest pain, mean you need a medical check-up.
Recurrent Episodes of Pain
You should also see a doctor if you experience repeated episodes of right-side chest pain. Even if the pain is mild and goes away, recurring discomfort needs investigation. Frequent pain can indicate a chronic condition. A doctor can perform tests to understand why the pain keeps returning. They can then recommend the right treatment plan for you.
General Treatment Options for Right-Sided Chest Pain
When you experience right-side chest pain, your doctor will recommend specific treatment options. These options depend on the cause of your discomfort. You will find various approaches to help you feel better.
Pain Management Strategies
Managing your pain is often the first step. You can use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. These medicines help reduce inflammation and discomfort. For more severe pain, your doctor might prescribe stronger medications. Applying heat or cold packs to the affected area can also provide relief, especially for muscle-related right-side chest pain. Rest is also important. You should avoid activities that worsen your pain.
Lifestyle Modifications
Making changes to your daily habits can significantly help. If acid reflux causes your right-side chest pain, you should avoid trigger foods. These include spicy foods, caffeine, and fatty meals. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can also help. If stress or anxiety is a factor, you can practice relaxation techniques. These include deep breathing or meditation. Regular, gentle exercise can also improve your overall well-being.
Medications
Your doctor may prescribe specific medications. For acid reflux, you might take antacids or proton pump inhibitors. These reduce stomach acid. If you have an infection like pneumonia, you will receive antibiotics. For conditions like pericarditis, anti-inflammatory drugs are common. You must take all medications exactly as your doctor instructs.
Physical Therapy
If your pain comes from musculoskeletal issues, physical therapy can be very helpful. A physical therapist can teach you exercises to strengthen your chest muscles. They can also improve your posture. This therapy helps reduce strain on your ribs and cartilage. It can also help with nerve compression issues.
Surgical Interventions
In some cases, surgery might be necessary. For example, if you have severe gallstones, you might need surgery to remove your gallbladder. Aortic dissection requires immediate surgical repair. Tumors or cysts causing significant problems may also need surgical removal. Your doctor will discuss all available treatment options with you. They will help you decide the best course of action for your specific condition.
You now understand that right-sided chest pain is complex. Never try to self-diagnose your symptoms. While many causes are benign, some can be life-threatening. You need professional medical evaluation. We covered diverse causes, from muscle strains to serious cardiac issues. Doctors use medical history, imaging, and blood tests for diagnosis. If you have persistent or concerning right side chest pain, consult a healthcare professional. They will ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
FAQ
What is the most common cause of right-sided chest pain?
Muscle strain or acid reflux often cause right-sided chest pain. You might also experience pain from costochondritis. These conditions are usually not serious. You can manage them with simple treatments.
What are the signs of a serious right-sided chest pain?
Seek immediate help for sudden, severe pain. Look for crushing pressure, shortness of breath, or pain spreading to your arm or jaw. Dizziness or heavy sweating also signal an emergency. You must call 911 right away.
What is costochondritis?
Costochondritis is inflammation of the cartilage. This cartilage connects your ribs to your breastbone. It causes sharp, localized pain. The pain worsens when you breathe deeply or cough. It usually resolves on its own.
What is the role of anxiety in right-sided chest pain?
Anxiety and panic attacks can cause real chest pain. This pain can feel sharp or like pressure. Your mind affects your body. Managing stress can help reduce these symptoms.
What tests diagnose right-sided chest pain?
Doctors use several tests. You will have a physical exam and medical history review. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans help. Blood tests and an ECG also provide clues. Endoscopy may be necessary for digestive issues.
