Right Side Chest Pain: Top 12 Causes & Treatment

Millions of people experience right side chest pain each year. A study found that about 5% of emergency room visits are because of chest pain, and many patients reported experiencing discomfort on the right side.

Although this chest pain is not associated with life-threatening issues, sometimes it may indicate issues such as acid reflux, muscle strain, infections, pneumonia, and serious lung or heart problems. Thus, people concerned about right side chest pain should get immediate professional help. 

This article will discuss the top 12 right side chest pain causes and effective treatment options. 

Top 12 Causes of Right Side Chest Pain

Right-side chest pain can occur due to numerous conditions or injuries, from something as simple as muscle strain to severe health emergencies. Below, we will discuss the top 8 causes of chest pain on the right side:

1. Muscle Strain

Muscle strain is one of the main causes of right-side chest pain, often resulting from overuse, heavy lifting, or sudden awkward movements. This condition frequently affects athletes and individuals engaged in physically demanding jobs. Symptoms include localized pain that worsens with movement or deep breathing, and recovery may require rest and pain management.

2. Rib Injury

A fractured rib or bruised rib can lead to stabbing pains in the right middle side of the chest. Many people develop it after direct trauma from falls, accidents, or sports-related injuries. Pain aggravates with breathing, coughing, or movement. Symptoms include tenderness and swelling around the affected area. 

3. Acid Reflux (GERD)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) causes irritation of the esophagus from stomach acid. This irritation results in burning chest pain that can affect the upper, middle, and right areas. The discomfort often worsens after eating or lying down. 

4. Gallbladder Disease

Gallbladder disease, including gallstones, manifests as intense pain beginning in the upper right abdomen that may radiate to the chest. This pain is often triggered by consuming fatty meals and can be accompanied by nausea or vomiting.

5. Panic Attack

Panic attacks are sometimes mistaken for heart problems since they can cause intense chest pain on the right side, including shortness of breath, palpitations, and dizziness. Stress and anxiety can exacerbate this illness.

6. Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection in which the lungs become inflamed. It is also one of the right chest pain reasons. The pain occurs with deep breathing or coughing. In most cases, the pain is sharp and accompanied by fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.

7. Pulmonary Embolism

A pulmonary embolism is a dangerous condition in which a blood clot blocks some of the arteries within the lungs. Such a blockage often results in sudden, sharp right-sided chest pain, shortness of breath, and rapid heart rate. This condition is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention for diagnosis and treatment, which may include anticoagulants or surgical interventions.

8. Costochondritis

Costochondritis is inflammation of the cartilage that joins a rib to the sternum. Such inflammation can result in stabbing chest pain on the right side, which is exacerbated by movement or pressure on the affected location.

9. Shingles

The reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus can cause shingles, which present as a painful rash typically on one side of the body. The associated nerve pain may also manifest as chest discomfort on the right side.

10.  Pleurisy

Pleurisy is an inflammation of the pleura, the double-layered membrane surrounding the lungs. This condition can result from infections, autoimmune diseases, or other underlying health issues. Pleurisy causes sharp, stabbing chest pain that worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or sneezing. Patients may also experience shortness of breath and a dry cough.

11.  Lung Cancer

While less common than other causes, lung cancer can present with persistent right-side chest pain that may worsen with coughing or deep breaths. This pain might be accompanied by other symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or a chronic cough. 

12.  Hiatal Hernia

A hiatal hernia occurs when a portion of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. This condition can lead to symptoms similar to GERD, including chest pain after meals, heartburn, and difficulty swallowing. The discomfort often arises due to acid reflux caused by the hernia.

When to Seek Medical Attention?

If you experience right-side chest pain, you must recognize when to seek medical help. Emergency care is necessary if you have:

• Sudden, severe chest pain that radiates to your arm, neck, or back.
• Shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting.
• Sharp, stabbing pain that worsens with deep breathing or movement.
• High fever, chills, or a persistent cough.

Even if the pain seems minor, do not dismiss it, as serious conditions like pulmonary embolism or pneumonia can present with similar symptoms. People also confuse this pain with cardiac arrest or heart attack symptoms. Therefore, quick evaluation by a healthcare professional is essential to rule out main issues and ensure appropriate treatment.

Treatment Procedures for Right Side Chest Pain

The treatment of right-side chest pain depends on the cause. Some conditions require minimal lifestyle adjustments, while others demand urgent medical attention. Treatment procedures differ. 

1. Medications

Healthcare professionals recommend certain medicines to treat conditions that cause right-sided chest pain. Antacids or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly prescribed to reduce stomach acid in cases of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Healthcare professionals also advise some natural supplements. You can check GERD Care, a natural formula designed to relieve acid reflux, reduce heartburn, and support digestion.

In cases of pneumonia, antibiotics are administered based on whether the infection is bacterial. For anxiety-related chest pain, healthcare providers prescribe anti-anxiety medications or antidepressants to manage associated symptoms. 

2. Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes manage chronic conditions that cause pain in the right side of the chest, such as acid reflux or muscle strain. For individuals suffering from acid reflux, avoiding trigger foods such as spicy, fatty, and acidic items can significantly reduce symptoms. 

Proper posture, stretching exercises, and adequate rest can help recover from muscle strain and prevent further injury. Additionally, stress management techniques like mindfulness and meditation can help alleviate stress-related chest pain, and when combined with a natural supplement like Glow Oxygluta Melatonin Oral Spray, designed to support calmness and relaxation, the results can be even more effective. 

3. Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy relieves right-side chest pain caused by muscular strain, rib injuries, and costochondritis. A physiotherapist will teach you exercises that strengthen your chest muscles and flexibility, thereby accelerating the recovery process and preventing injuries in the future.

4. Surgery

In severe cases, surgery may be needed. For example, removal of the gallbladder is one of the most common treatments needed for a patient with gallstones, whereas clot removal could save a life with pulmonary embolism.

• Home Remedies and Rest

Home remedies can be effective for mild conditions such as muscle pulls. Simple measures like applying ice packs to the affected area, taking over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen), and ensuring ample rest can provide significant relief from discomfort. 

Comparison between Right Side Chest Pain and Heart Pain

Right-sided chest pain has a lower likelihood of being related to heart conditions, especially if the pain is on the left side. However, this does not mean it should be completely ruled out. 

Heart pain typically feels like pressure or squeezing in the chest. It may radiate pain down the left arm or to the jaw. Right-side chest pain is usually sharp, localized, and accompanied by pain with movement, breathing, or digestive distress.

If you feel right-side chest pain accompanied by heart attack symptoms like chest tightness, shortness of breath, or even sweating, you should seek medical care immediately.

Prevent Chest Pain with Regular Monitoring!

Right-side chest pain can occur from minor muscle tension to serious illness, like a pulmonary embolism. Therefore, you should stay updated with the possible causes and watch for symptoms to get proper treatment. Lifestyle modifications are among the best strategies to deal with chest pain on the right side, which stems from poor eating habits. 

Consider the Aware App to support your heart health. With features such as personalized heart attack risk assessments, diet plans, and medication reminders, Aware acts as your dedicated health companion. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if my chest pain is serious?

If your chest pain begins suddenly, is severe, and causes symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, or pain that radiates to other parts of your body, get medical help right away. This may be a sign of a more serious condition, like a heart attack or a pulmonary embolism.

2. How do you stop right side chest pain?

Depending on the cause, the pain of stopping right side chest pain subsides with rest and lifestyle modifications for muscle strain or GERD. More serious ones, such as pneumonia or pulmonary embolism, may have to be treated by treatment with antibiotics or anti-clotting agents.

3. What causes chest pain on the right side?

The most typical causes of right side chest pain include muscle strain and rib fractures, acid reflux, gallbladder problems, and pulmonary embolism. Symptoms vary widely depending on the root cause but often include a sharp, localized pain.

4. Can stress cause chest pain?

Yes, stress can lead to right-side chest pain, particularly during panic attacks. The body's response to stress includes rapid breathing and muscle tension, which can trigger discomfort in the chest area. Individuals experiencing anxiety might also feel palpitations or tightness in the chest. 

5. How to know chest pain is not heart related?

Lung, muscle, and digestive problems are the more common causes of right-sided chest pain. Pain from a heart attack is usually left-sided and may involve sensations of pressure or squeezing. Pain that worsens with movement, coughing, or eating is less likely to be heart-related. However, any new or worsening chest pain should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

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