18 causes and when to get help

Right sided chest pain can occur due to many different conditions and injuries. Below, we discuss 18 potential causes.

1. Anxiety or stress

Severe anxiety or stress can trigger an anxiety attack or a panic attack. A person who has previously had a panic attack may develop panic disorder, in which they fear another panic attack.

People who experience panic and anxiety may also have symptoms that resemble those of a heart attack, such as:

• chest pain
• difficulty breathing
• a rapid heart rate or palpitations
• sweating

Some individuals also experience anxiety, stress, and panic because of a health condition, such as heart disease.

A panic attack usually lasts 5–10 minutes.

Anyone who suspects they may have symptoms of a heart attack should seek immediate medical advice.

What is the difference between a panic attack and an anxiety attack?

2. Muscle strain

Many different muscles make up the chest wall. A person can strain or sprain these muscles, for example, during exercise. As a result, the chest will feel painful and tender to the touch.

This type of chest pain usually goes away with rest and over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief medication, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Research shows that 28% of visits to the emergency room for chest pain are due to musculoskeletal issues, such as muscle strain.

What causes a pulled muscle in the chest, and what to do about it?

3. Trauma

A traumatic injury, such as a fall, a blow to the chest, or a motor vehicle accident, can damage the structures that make up the chest, as well as the heart, lungs, and other internal organs.

There may be bruising or swelling, and a person may have difficulty breathing.

It is best to seek emergency help following a chest injury. Damage to the internal organs may not be visible but can be life threatening.

4. Costochondritis and other inflammatory conditions

Costochondritis refers to inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone. It can lead to severe pain that may be worse when a person is:

• lying down
• breathing deeply
• putting pressure on the chest
• doing physical activity

Causes include:

• intense coughing
• a traumatic injury to the chest
• physical strain from repeated exercise or lifting heavy items
• respiratory tract infections
• an infection in a chest wound
• wear and tear

Costochondritis usually goes away on its own, but people may need extra rest, pain relievers, and hot or cold compresses to aid recovery.

Other inflammatory conditions that can lead to chest pain include:

• rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• spondyloarthritis
• systemic lupus erythematosus, or lupus

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 lead to serious complications. One broken rib will not usually lead to complications, but multiple fractures can be life threatening.

Rib fractures usually result from a fall or blow to the chest, but severe coughing can also cause a fracture. A break on the right side can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness in that area.

What is flail chest?

6. Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax occurs when air escapes from the lung and gets into the space between the lung and the chest wall. It can lead to a collapsed lung.

This makes it difficult for the lung to expand when breathing and can cause sudden and significant pain or discomfort.

There are many possible causes, including:

• smoking
• conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and cystic fibrosis
• a biopsy in the lung area
• a blunt or penetrating trauma

Someone with this condition might also experience shortness of breath, a rapid heartbeat, and dizziness. Anyone with these symptoms needs urgent medical attention.

What is a punctured lung?

7. Pleurisy

Pleurisy is inflammation of the membranes that surround the lungs. This inflammation causes friction between these two layers of tissue.

Usually, there is a thin, fluid-filled space between the linings of the lungs and the chest cavity. When breathing in and out, the lungs glide smoothly over this tissue.

In pleurisy, the friction can lead to sharp and severe pain when breathing.

The condition can occur for various reasons, including:

• a traumatic injury
• pneumothorax
• pulmonary embolism
• conditions such as lupus, cancer, or pneumonia

The need for treatment and the prognosis will depend on the cause. A person should seek immediate medical help if they have difficulty breathing or dizziness due to low oxygen levels.

8. Pleural effusions

In pleural effusion, fluid builds up between the layers of tissue outside the lungs. It can cause chest pain and shortness of breath.

Causes include:

• conditions such as pneumonia and tuberculosis
• chronic conditions, such as RA and lupus
• hemothorax
• exposure to asbestos

Breathing may get more difficult over time, so it is essential to seek help from a doctor.

9. Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs by bacterial, viral, or fungal organisms.

Symptoms include:

• a fever and chills
• a cough
• changes in mental status
• rapid heart rate

Chest pain can occur when a person is breathing and coughing. Individuals with suspected pneumonia should seek prompt medical help. Some people will need to spend time in the hospital, as the condition can result in life threatening complications.

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.

Symptoms include:

• chest pain
• shortness of breath
• a cough and a hoarse voice
• fatigue
• weakness
• lightheadedness
• nausea and vomiting

What is pulmonary arterial hypertension?

11. Pulmonary embolism

A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that has become lodged in the lungs. It can be life threatening if a person does not receive treatment quickly.

If it occurs in the right lung, it can cause right sided chest pain.

Additional symptoms include:

• shortness of breath
• rapid breathing
• increased heart rate
• coughing, with or without blood

The pain and other symptoms of a pulmonary embolism usually come on suddenly and require emergency medical attention.

12. Lung cancer

Chest pain can occur with lung cancer and cancer that has spread to the lungs from another part of the body.

Around 20–40% of individuals with lung cancer experience chest pain.

Other symptoms include:

• a cough
• shortness of breath
• spitting up blood
• dyspnea, or difficulty breathing
• fatigue
• weakness
• unexpected weight loss

What is the link between lung cancer and cough?

13. Chest tumors

Growths within the chest or chest wall, whether they are cancerous or not, can also cause chest pain.

Depending on the type of tumor, other symptoms include:

• a lump
• swelling
• the chest appearing or feeling asymmetrical

As the tumor grows, it will put pressure on nearby nerves or blood vessels, causing pain or discomfort.

14. Heart disease

While most people associate left sided chest pain with a heart attack or other heart ailments, right sided pain is also possible, especially if heart disease affects the right side of the heart.

Pain due to a heart condition can affect the right shoulder or jaw as well.

15. Shingles

If a person has had chickenpox in the past, they may develop shingles later. This is because the same virus causes both conditions, and it can reactivate.

Shingles involves inflammation in a section of nerves and the surrounding area. This can lead to sensations of:

• numbness
• tingling
• burning

If shingles affects nerves in the chest, it can cause chest pain. Shingles tends to affect only one side of the body.

Early symptoms include a fever with pain and sensitivity in one area. It will later develop into a painful, itchy rash.

Is shingles contagious? Find out here.

16. Heartburn, or acid reflux

Heartburn, also known as acid reflux, is when stomach acid passes back from the stomach up into the food pipe, or esophagus.

The food pipe is located in the chest, so it can cause general chest pain, including on the right side.

Other symptoms include:

• an unpleasant taste in the mouth
• bloating and nausea
• a cough

Acid reflux is common, affecting around 20% of people in the United States. If it happens often, however, a person should seek medical advice. A doctor can prescribe medication to help manage it.

17. Liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic issues

These structures are important for digestion and other essential functions. They are in the top of the right side of the abdomen.

Gallstones, pancreatitis, and liver disease are just a few conditions that can lead to pain in the right side of the chest.

18. COVID-19

COVID-19 can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• a fever
• a cough
• shortness of breath

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that if an individual with COVID-19 experiences persistent pain or pressure in their chest, they should seek medical advice at once.

How to know whether chest pain is due to COVID-19? Find out here.

Right sided chest pain can happen for many reasons, and some require urgent care.

Signs that someone needs emergency care include:

• a sudden onset of severe chest pain
• crushing pain
• persistent pain or pressure on the chest
• chest pain with shortness of breath
• pain that radiates to the jaw or shoulder
• chest pain occurring with dizziness or weakness
• change in or loss of consciousness
• other symptoms, such as a high fever or coughing up blood

The outlook for someone having right sided chest pain will depend on the cause.

If pain persists despite treatment, it is important to continue to follow up with a doctor for further diagnosis and treatment.

Chest pain can affect the right-hand side of the body for many reasons.

Some, such as a sprain, are mild and usually go away with OTC pain relief. However, problems with the heart or lungs can also cause right sided chest pain and may have severe consequences.

Anyone with concerns about symptoms should seek medical advice.

Read the article in Spanish.

Causes and When to Be Concerned

Pain in the right upper chest can be caused by injury to the bones, tissues, and muscles. It could also be caused by underlying conditions and mental health issues.

Pain in the right side of your chest can happen for a number of reasons. Most chest discomfort, especially on your right side, is not related to your heart.

Your chest is home to other organs and tissues that may be inflamed or injured, causing you to feel pain. Any aches you feel are most likely due to:

• muscle strain
• infection
• stress and anxiety
• other conditions unrelated to your heart

Keep reading to learn what may be behind your symptoms and when you should speak to your doctor.

Chest pain on the left side is typically associated with a heart attack. If you feel any pain on your right side, it’s most likely not related to your heart.

According to 2019 research, you should seek immediate medical attention if you:

• have unexplained and unexpected severe chest pain
• feel pressure, squeezing, or fullness in your chest
• have severe pain shooting through your arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
• break out into a cold sweat
• feel weak, dizzy, or nauseous
• have difficulty breathing

Any of these symptoms could be caused by a serious or life threatening condition, so you should seek urgent care as soon as possible.

If you’re experiencing pain on the right side of your chest, here are a few potential causes.

An anxiety disorder or extreme stress can bring on panic attacks, which can feel very similar to a heart attack, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Panic attacks can happen out of the blue or be triggered by a traumatic or stressful event in your life.

Symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks can include:

• shortness of breath
• chest pain
• heart palpitations
• nausea
• dizziness
• vertigo
• numbness of hands and feet
• sweating
• trembling
• fainting

Panic attacks can cause chest pain from hyperventilating (breathing rapidly or deeply) since it makes your chest wall muscles go into spasms. Pain resulting from anxiety or stress can occur on either side of the chest.

Because symptoms of a panic attack can mimic those of a heart attack, you should seek immediate medical care to rule out any heart-related issues. Deep breathing exercises can also help stop a panic attack.

Trauma or overuse can cause muscle strain, which is one of the most common causes of pain on either side of your chest.

Muscle strain can happen because of intense upper body activity during sports or overworking your muscles during other intense activities. Muscle pain may also happen gradually as a result of tension or anxiety.

In most cases, resting and taking over-the-counter pain relievers are enough to ease your symptoms.

Chest pain can also happen because of tears to the pectoralis muscle, according to 2021 research. Tears are usually caused by indirect trauma or a direct blow to the chest. Blunt trauma can also result in rib fractures or rib displacement.

Symptoms of a chest injury or rib displacement include:

• chest pain that gets worse with coughing, sneezing, or laughing
• shortness of breath
• bruising
• swelling
• tenderness

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, talk with your doctor. They can determine whether your injury will be able to heal on its own or if treatment is necessary.

Heartburn refers to the burning sensation you feel in your chest after eating, bending over, working out, or even lying down at night. It’s usually caused by acid reflux, which happens when your stomach acid comes back up to your esophagus.

In addition to chest pain, you may:

• feel a burning sensation in your throat
• have difficulty swallowing
• feel like food is stuck in the middle of your throat or chest
• have an unexplained acidic, salty, or sour taste in the back of your throat

Indigestion refers to an upset stomach. Although indigestion usually does not cause chest pain, it may happen alongside heartburn.

Symptoms of indigestion include:

• nausea
• early and uncomfortable fullness after eating
• pain, discomfort, and burning in the upper abdomen
• bloating

Here’s how to relieve your heartburn symptoms.

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into your food pipe (esophagus).

This can cause:

• heartburn
• stomach pain
• burping
• a sour taste in your mouth

If you’re experiencing acid reflux more than twice a week, you may have developed gastroesophageal reflux (GERD).

In addition to chest pain, symptoms of GERD include:

• heartburn
• sore throat or hoarseness
• a sour taste in your mouth
• a lump-like sensation in your throat
• dry cough
• difficulty swallowing

Although you may be able to find relief with home remedies, you should talk with your doctor for a diagnosis. They may be able to prescribe medication to help treat or prevent symptoms.

Chest pain is one of the main symptoms of costochondritis. This condition happens when your rib cage cartilage becomes inflamed. The pain can be severe or mild. Although the pain is typically felt on the left side of your chest, it may also occur on the right side.

Other symptoms include pain in your back and abdomen and pain that worsens when you cough or take a deep breath.

Chest pain caused by costochondritis may feel similar to a heart attack or other heart-related conditions, so you should seek emergency care. Your doctor can rule out any life threatening conditions.

Gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis) happens when there’s a bile buildup in your gallbladder.

In most cases, cholecystitis is caused by gallstones blocking the tube that leads out of the organ. Your gallbladder may also become inflamed because of problems with your bile duct or tumors.

Cholecystitis does not cause chest pain, although it may feel like it. If your gallbladder is inflamed, you may feel intense pain in your upper right abdomen that can shoot up to your right shoulder or back.

Other symptoms include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• fever
• sweating
• appetite loss
• tenderness when touching your abdomen

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, talk with your doctor for a diagnosis.

Shingles is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox.

Shingles does not cause chest pain on the inside. However, it may feel like you’re having problems with your heart or lungs depending on the location of the viral infection. Shingles can be quite painful on the outside, on the skin.

In addition to a rash, your symptoms may include:

• pain
• burning
• tingling or numbness
• sensitivity to touch
• fluid-filled blisters that crack and crust over
• itching

Although you may be able to find relief with home remedies, you should see your doctor for a diagnosis. They’ll prescribe medication to help clear the infection.

Pleurisy happens when the membrane lining the inner side of your chest cavity and the lining over the lungs, known as the pleura, becomes inflamed. When this inflammation occurs, these linings get rough and rub against each other, causing pain.

This can cause pain on either side of your chest when you breathe in and out. It can also cause pain in your shoulders and back.

Symptoms include:

• chest pain that gets worse with coughing, sneezing, or laughing
• shortness of breath if you’re trying to minimize breathing in and out
• fever or cough if the cause of the pleurisy is a lung infection

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, see your doctor for a diagnosis.

Pneumonia is an infection in one or both of your lungs. Pneumonia will make you cough, sometimes with phlegm, which can cause pain on either side of your chest. You may also feel chest pain when you breathe.

Other symptoms of pneumonia include:

• difficulty breathing
• fever
• sweating
• shaking
• chills
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea

Although home remedies can relieve your symptoms, it’s important that you see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. If the infection itself is left untreated, pneumonia can become fatal.

Sudden onset of shortness of breath is the main symptom of pneumothorax, which is a collapsed lung. However, it could also cause sudden pain, though not all the time. This can happen on either the right or left side of your chest and is usually the result of injury.

It may also result from lung disease, ruptured air blisters, or ventilator use.

Other symptoms include:

• shortness of breath
• tightness in the chest
• rapid heart rate
• cough
• fatigue

If you suspect that you have a collapsed lung, seek emergency medical care.

The two types of cardiac inflammation that can cause chest pain are myocarditis and pericarditis. Myocarditis happens when your heart muscle becomes inflamed. Pericarditis refers to inflammation in the two layers of sac-like tissue (pericardium) that surrounds your heart.

Both conditions are typically caused by a type of infection and can lead to mild to severe chest pain.

Myocarditis and pericarditis share many of the same symptoms. These include:

• fever
• weakness
• difficulty breathing
• coughing
• heart palpitations
• fatigue
• swelling of your legs, ankles, feet, or stomach

With pericarditis, the discomfort in your chest can be so intense that it feels like you’re having a heart attack. If you’re experiencing severe chest pain, seek emergency care to rule out any life threatening causes.

Pulmonary hypertension refers to high blood pressure in the heart-to-lung system. This can cause your heart to work harder, leading you to feel pain throughout your chest.

Other symptoms include:

• shortness of breath during regular activity
• feeling light-headed, especially during physical activity
• fatigue
• racing heartbeat
• pain in the upper right side of the abdomen
• decreased appetite
• fainting
• swelling in the ankles or legs
• bluish lips or skin

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, see your doctor for a diagnosis. They can prescribe medication or other therapies to help relieve your symptoms and prevent future complications.

A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels from a vein in your leg to your lungs, according to 2021 research. This sudden arterial block prevents blood from flowing to your lung tissue, causing chest pain.

The pain may also spread throughout your arm, jaw, shoulder, and neck.

Pulmonary embolism can be fatal if left untreated, so seek emergency medical care if you’re experiencing these symptoms.

A fractured rib can cause intense chest pain and difficulty breathing. Broken ribs are typically caused by an injury to the chest or severe coughing.

Symptoms of a broken rib include:

• significant chest pain, especially when breathing
• swelling around the broken ribs
• occasional bruising on the surrounding skin
• hearing or feeling a crack

If you’re worried about the pain in the right side of your chest and it’s lasted more than a few days, you should see your doctor. The aches and discomfort may be caused by something mild, like acid reflux, but there’s a chance they’re from something more serious, like pulmonary hypertension.

Once you know what’s going on, you and your doctor can develop a plan to treat your chest pain and its underlying cause. If your chest pain persists after treatment, you should contact your doctor and discuss additional treatment options.

What does right-sided chest pain mean?

Right-sided chest pain could be caused by a variety of medical conditions. You might be experiencing this pain because of:

• an anxiety attack
• a collapsed lung
• costochondritis
• gallbladder problems
• gastroesophageal reflux
• a heart attack
• lung cancer
• musculoskeletal strain or injury
• pericarditis
• pleuritis
• pneumonia
• a pulmonary embolism
• a rib fracture
• shingles

Is right-sided chest pain serious?

Right-sided chest pain may or may not be serious. Sometimes, this pain can signal a heart attack or collapsed lung. Other times, there might be a simple answer, such as gastroesophageal reflux or a muscle strain.

Severe chest pain that comes along with other symptoms should be taken more seriously.

Should I go to the ER for right-sided chest pain?

If you are at risk for a heart attack (you’re older than 55, you smoke, you have high blood pressure), you should go to the ER. You should also go to the ER if you have additional symptoms along with your chest pain, like shortness of breath, nausea, and sweating.

Other cases of chest pain may not need an ER visit. When in doubt, it’s always best to seek medical attention.

What’s located on the right side of your chest?

Your lungs are located on both sides of your chest. A minor portion of your heart is on the right side.

How do you relieve chest pain on the right side?

Pain relief will depend on the cause of your pain. If you’re experiencing a simple muscle strain, ice on the affected area can help. But if something more serious is going on, your doctor will help guide you to find the best treatment.

Right side chest pain while breathing?

If you feel right-sided chest pain while breathing, you may be experiencing pleurisy. According to the National Health Service, pleurisy is a condition that occurs when the tissue between the lungs and ribcage becomes inflamed. The primary symptom is sharp chest pain when you breathe.

Right side chest pain and vomiting?

Right-sided chest pain and vomiting are often caused by acid reflux, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. However, when combined with difficulty breathing, pain that radiates into your arm, and sweating, these could be symptoms of a heart attack.

There are multiple culprits that could be behind right-sided chest pain. Pay attention to any accompanying symptoms you may be experiencing. These symptoms can help you get a better idea of what’s going on.

When in doubt, always seek treatment from a medical professional who can help diagnose and treat your pain.

Read this article in Spanish

Right chest pain

Pain behind the sternum on the right

Pain in the chest on the right – a fairly common symptom of many diseases. It is very important to determine the nature of the pain and the duration of spasmodic reactions in order to correctly diagnose the disease. In no case should one turn a blind eye to signals such as pain, because it is not unreasonable. Even if you know what causes your chest pain on the right side, self-medication without examination and doctor’s conclusions is highly discouraged.

In order for you to be aware of the risks of diseases associated with right chest pain, we have prepared for you complete and detailed information about their causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention.

Causes of right chest pain

Pain in the chest on the right side due to chest trauma, excessive exercise, sprains and injuries:

• Strenuous exercise and strain can cause pain in the intercostal and pectoral muscles. This pain is also called krepatura. It appears after active classes in the gym or hard physical work. This is a completely harmless pain, which is caused by the release of lactic acid in the connective tissues of the muscles, as well as partial damage to the muscle and ligamentous structures of those muscles that strained the most. The appearance of such pain is the result of an inadequate approach to the training schedule, an incorrect calculation of the load on the body. It usually manifests itself as an intramuscular pulling unpleasant sensation, and with sudden movements it can intensify.
• Trauma and damage to the chest and organs under its strong but still vulnerable protection can also cause chest pain on the right. For example, a fracture of the ribs reminds of itself with stabbing pain directly at the site of injury, especially when squeezing the chest. It is also strongly manifested when coughing and calms down, as soon as the patient sits down and relaxes.

With bruises on the body, bruises and bruises can be observed. A slight bruise is absolutely not dangerous for a person, although it can cause small hemorrhages and ruptures. While a severe bruise can lead to rupture of the lung and death.

Right chest pain due to viral and infectious diseases:

• Viral diseases can cause pain when you take a deep breath, sneeze or cough. In this case, the localization of pain will depend on the weakest part of the organs affected by the infection. In such a situation, the lung on the right side or the intercostal muscles of a weakened body may hurt. Sometimes with a simple cold, this pain can disappear after a course of special drug treatment, and the patient’s mandatory stay in bed. But there are cases when the patient’s state of health deteriorates significantly, which leads to serious violations of the vital functions of the respiratory system.

Pain in the chest on the right due to disruption of the respiratory system:

• Pneumonia is one of the most serious lung diseases that manifests itself in the patient’s body as an inflammation that can affect both one part of the organ and affect both sides. There is a fairly wide range of viruses and infections that can cause this disease, but the most important fact that everyone should know is that pneumonia, which is so difficult to treat and can be fatal in severe cases, can be caused by improper medication. Usually pneumonia is manifested by fever, chest pain, characteristic wheezing and cough.
• Pleurisy is a disease of the lungs associated with inflammation of their lining. This inflammatory process causes pain in the right side of the chest, especially during coughing or other diaphragmatic tension. Pleurisy is recognized with sudden painful spasms in the chest, as the ability to breathe deeply is lost, and patients with pleurisy often experience suffocation. Inflammation of the pleura often manifests itself as a post-symptom of pneumonia, and also accompanies the course of tuberculosis, or in cardiovascular diseases.
• The presence of a tumor in the lungs and bronchi, as the most difficult and not comforting diagnosis for the patient, can also cause pain in the right side of the chest. As a rule, tumors in the pulmonary region are classified by oncologists as bronchopulmonary cancer, the main distinguishing feature of which is a dry, choking cough with bloody expectoration. Lung cancer comes with a host of different symptoms, including chest pain.

Pain in the chest on the right side due to diseases of the digestive system:

• Heartburn is the most common cause of discomfort in the right chest. It appears as a result of excessive secretion of gastric juice and its entry into the esophagus. An unpleasant sensation may appear immediately after eating or after half an hour, but there are also cases when heartburn also appears on an empty stomach. The disease-causing effect of heartburn can spread throughout the esophagus, which causes a lot of inconvenience to the patient, as heartburn begins its journey in the stomach and rises to the very throat. In this case, the patient feels a burning sensation in the chest from several minutes to an hour.
• Stagnation of food in the digestive tract. For this reason, chest pain on the right side may also appear. The fact is that during the digestive process, food or liquid can get stuck in the esophagus. This phenomenon often causes pain in the chest on the right, which is due to strong pressure on the walls of the esophagus and is aggravated by swallowing and tension of the diaphragm.
• Diseases of the liver, including any inflammatory acute or chronic process, as well as parasitic lesions of the liver, can cause stinging pain in under the ribs on the right side. It becomes especially strong when pressing on the organ, sneezing and coughing. Separately, it is necessary to highlight one of the types of inflammation of the liver, such as hepatitis.
• Hepatitis, which has several forms (A, B, C, D), is popularly called jaundice, since the skin and the white part of the eye take on a yellowish tint due to the ingestion of bilirubin, which is not processed in the liver, into the blood. However, there are also cases of hepatitis when jaundice does not appear, but in any case, the disease is given out by painful spasms in the right hypochondrium. They arise as a result of stretching of the liver membrane due to its increase. The nature of the pain can be quite varied: dull and prolonged pain may appear, or sharp and intense pain may occur, the impulses of which can even reach the right shoulder and shoulder blade.
• Dysfunction in the gallbladder is one of the causes of pain in the right hypochondrium, associated with abnormalities in the formation and excretion of bile from the body.
• Biliary dyskinesia is a disease caused by impaired flow of bile. With this disease, there are absolutely no organic or structural changes in the gallbladder, but only the motor function of the bile ducts is disturbed. Dyskinesia causes too much or vice versa insufficient contraction of the gallbladder, which explains the violation of the non-synchronous opening and closing of the bile ducts. Doctors associate the appearance of dyskinesia with acute and chronic psycho-traumatic situations, deep intrapersonal conflicts, and individual intolerance by the patient’s body of certain foods (allergies) is also very important.
• Chronic cholecystitis is a disease of the gallbladder caused by its inflammation. Most often, an acute bacterial infection becomes the causative agent of chronic cholecystitis – it can be a mass of varieties of E. coli, enterococcus, proteus, staphylococcus, streptococcus. Of particular importance is a parasitic infection of the biliary tract, contributing to the long-term course of inflammatory processes, as well as changes in the properties of bile, the formation of stones and impaired bile outflow.
• Gallstone disease is an abnormal process in the bile that results in the formation of crystalline structures of cholesterol and calcium salts in the bile ducts and gallbladder. A disease of this kind indicates a wrong lifestyle, excessive consumption of fatty foods and alcohol. Gallstone disease immediately makes you aware of its appearance with unbearable stinging pain in the right hypochondrium. In this case, you should definitely consult a doctor, since only a qualified specialist can diagnose the disease and prescribe an effective treatment. Do not try to cure gallstone disease at home, because it will not lead to anything good.

Pain in the chest on the right, due to failures with the cardiovascular system:

• Angina pectoris is a heart disease that manifests itself in attacks of sudden pain in the chest, both on the left and on the right side. Angina pectoris is a consequence of an acute shortage of blood supply to the myocardium. This is a severe form of coronary heart disease that requires hospital treatment. Due to the lack of oxygen supply to the necessary areas of the heart and lungs, pressing pain in the chest appears. It can take a person by surprise both during the day during physical exertion and at night at rest. Doctors can recognize this disease at the first visit of the patient, while its complications require tests and continuous monitoring of the patient in the hospital.
• Myocardial infarction, or heart attack, is the death of part of the heart muscle, which is directly related to a lack of blood and oxygen supply to this muscle. It is also one of the results of clinical forms of coronary heart disease. It is characterized by a sudden onset of sharp pain that spreads to the chest area and radiates to the left shoulder and neck. In case of a heart attack, an ambulance is immediately called, because if help is not provided as quickly as possible, a person may die.
• Pericarditis – an inflammatory process of the pericardial sac – the pericardium, which is the protective shell of the heart. Very often, pericarditis manifests itself as a symptom of infectious, autoimmune and oncological abnormalities and heart diseases, and much less often acts as an independent disease. Manifestations of pericarditis directly depend on the intensity of inflammatory processes and their form. Thus, the main indicators of pericarditis in its dry form are pain signals in the region of the heart. By their nature, they are very similar to angina pectoris or dry pleurisy, which is why the correct treatment of inflammation of the pericardium often begins with a great delay due to difficult diagnosis. One of the hallmarks of pain in pericarditis is that it increases with deep inspiration, coughing, or when the body is in a horizontal position. Effusive pericarditis is accompanied by the release of fluid into the pericardial space, the patient feels pressure in the region of the heart, it becomes difficult for him to breathe, shortness of breath appears, as well as squeezing of the esophagus. The patient’s body reacts to such a painful process with fever, swelling of the face and neck appears, and the veins strongly show through.

Right chest pain symptoms

We have previously listed many reasons that can cause pain in the right hypochondrium. However, in order to choose from the list of causes the most likely for a particular case, you need to know the types of pain and the symptoms that accompany it. A correct understanding of the symptoms of pain will allow the doctor to make a correct history and conduct the most necessary tests in the first place and promptly prescribe treatment. Next, we will talk about the types of pain, its localization and what it means in each case:

Pulling and aching pain in the chest on the right can be caused by excessive physical exertion and disappears within a day. Such pain can appear after bruises and injuries of the chest. Often, it develops into a stabbing pain, depending on the nature of the injury, and is aggravated by tension in the diaphragm when a person sneezes, coughs, or takes deep breaths.

Pain in the right upper chest may be associated with inflammatory processes in the lungs. Usually, diseases such as pneumonia and bronchitis are accompanied by high fever, hoarse noises in the lungs and severe cough.

Sudden painful cramps in the chest can begin after pneumonia. Pleurisy develops and then the patient loses the ability to breathe deeply, and very often there is suffocation. Also, spasmodic pain in the upper chest, accompanied by a bloody choking cough, may indicate the presence of cancer in the lungs.

The burning sensation in the chest on the right arises from heartburn and spreads throughout the body from the esophagus to the very throat. Such pain comes most often after eating, but it can also happen on an empty stomach, it all depends on the characteristics of the patient’s body. The duration of such pain lasts from several minutes to an hour.

Acute pain on the right under the chest can be caused by liver diseases such as hepatitis, cholecystitis and gallbladder dysfunction. With liver disease, the skin and eye proteins of the patient take on a yellowish tint, and if you lightly press on the diseased organ, the pain intensifies. It is also aggravated by any tension of the chest.

Unbearable stabbing pain occurs at the very first prerequisites for cholelithiasis. Any problems with the outflow and patency of bile should be solved only in the doctor’s office, since diseases of the gallbladder bring a lot of pain to the patient and can lead to serious complications. Therefore, if it happens that you feel a sharp stabbing pain on the right under the ribs, immediately call the doctors.

If the pain is systematic and has the character of an attack, has clear conditions for the appearance and remission, that is, a certain time and external factors of influence, then most likely it will pass completely if you take nitroglycerin. Because such pain is characteristic of angina pectoris – one of the types of coronary heart disease. The pain appears from physical or psychological stress, and with age, the pain from angina pectoris only intensifies.

Compressive dull pain throughout the chest, starting on the left side and giving spasm to the right hypochondrium, making breathing difficult, and squeezing the esophagus – this is pain from pericarditis. It is quite difficult for doctors to diagnose it, since the symptoms of this disease are significantly similar to other diseases of the cardiovascular system and lungs.

A sharp pain in the chest on the right, which has the character of an attack, differs in that it begins in the region of the heart on the left and gives a sharp impulse to the right shoulder, but then spreads to the right side of the chest. This is a myocardial infarction, that is, a heart attack. If such symptoms have taken place, you should immediately call an ambulance, since the patient’s life without the help of doctors can end at any moment.

Diagnosis of right chest pain

The diagnosis of a patient who applied to the hospital with chest pain on the right is made according to a strict algorithm. According to the nature of the pain and general symptoms, first aid is provided. For example, myocardial infarction or cholelithiasis cannot be confused with an attack of another disease. Therefore, if all the signs are on the face, then in an emergency mode, the patient is given first aid and further treatment. And if the causes of the disease when the patient is admitted to the hospital are not known, then by means of ECG and ultrasound, diseases of the cardiovascular system such as angina pectoris are excluded. Further, depending on what the patient complains about, the doctor takes an anamnesis and prescribes treatment. If the patient complains of a burning sensation in the chest, a special test is performed for the acidity of the gastric juice and the functioning of the lower food sphincter.

The doctor determines the presence of injuries and bruises visually as a result of examining the patient, as well as using palpation – a tactile examination. And if the pain intensifies when pressing on the chest area, then the patient from the diagnostic department is sent to traumatology. If the patient is admitted to the hospital with a high fever, cough and characteristic wheezing, he is assigned a series of routine tests, as well as a computer scan – a tomogram, as a result of which the doctor will be able to determine the damaged areas of the lungs and diagnose one of the diseases of the respiratory system.

Treatment of right chest pain

After the anamnesis and diagnosis of the disease were successful, the doctor prescribes a treatment for the disease that will exclude chest pain on the right from the patient’s life for many years, and maybe forever, depending on the complexity of the disease.

Pain in the left hypochondrium due to bruises and injuries of the chest. The very first aid that needs to be provided to the patient before the arrival of the doctor is the imposition of a tight girdle bandage around the chest. The patient must take an anesthetic – an injection of two milliliters of a fifty percent solution of analgin. If the fracture of the ribs is multiple, in any case it is accompanied by difficulty in breathing and cyanosis. After first aid, depending on the complexity of the fracture, the patient is hospitalized either in the intensive care unit, or in the trauma or thoracic department. In the hospital, doctors maintain normal airway patency and bronchial function, prescribe physiotherapy exercises and breathing exercises for this. To improve the functions of the bronchial tree, massages and inhalations are prescribed. When a rib is fractured, antibiotic therapy is not used, since this group of patients is more likely to develop pneumonia, so they are prescribed antibiotics. In order for the body to continue to recover even after the hospital, the patient is prescribed to wear a special bandage or corset that helps keep the ribs in the desired shape.

Pain in the chest on the right side due to disruption of the respiratory system. Mild forms of respiratory diseases that cause chest pain on the right are treated in combination with simple antiviral and anti-influenza drugs. However, we have already seen that improper treatment or complications can cause the development of pneumonia. That is why it is so important to follow all the recommendations of the attending physician and follow the instructions for using the drugs. The decision to hospitalize a patient with pneumonia and other severe respiratory diseases depends on the age and condition of the patient. Most often, adults are treated at home. But in any case, a chest x-ray and a general blood test are mandatory for all patients before and after treatment. From the inflammatory processes of pneumonia, antibacterial drugs are prescribed. They must be taken according to the strict recommendations of the doctor. Even if the patient feels better, but the course of treatment has not yet been completed, this does not mean at all that drug treatment should be stopped, because the disease can return with double destructive force. If the drug effect on the patient’s body does not give results, then after three days the antibiotic is replaced with another one. Bronchodilators are also prescribed. In inpatient treatment, infusion therapy is practiced, oxygen inhalations are carried out, and massage is prescribed to improve the drainage function.

Pain in the chest on the right side due to diseases of the digestive system. In diseases of the digestive system, heartburn is a common symptom. Therefore, to get rid of it, you need to treat the root cause, that is, the underlying disease. In addition, the use of drugs is prescribed to help pacify excessive acidity inside the stomach. But all this is done only after careful research and analysis. Remember – heartburn never comes alone, there is always a serious gastroenterological disease behind it! As we already know, pain in the hypochondrium on the right is also provoked by inflammation and pathologies of the auxiliary organs of the digestive system, such as the liver and gallbladder. Liver disease is now treatable, thanks to the latest advances in medicine. But still, do not forget that this is a long-term process that requires medical supervision and self-medication is inappropriate here. After all, the liver is an organ that is most susceptible to drug stress, it suffers from incompetent intervention, which can lead to irreversible consequences. Drug treatment should be prescribed only by the attending physician. To cure the liver, hepatropic drugs are used, which combine three subgroups of drugs:

• Cholagogues: improve the secretion of bile and the process of its removal from the body.
• Hepatoprotective agents: normalize metabolic processes in the liver, improve its immunity to the effects of harmful substances, accelerate regeneration processes in various liver lesions.
• Cholelitholytics: regulate the amount of cholesterol in the liver and promote the dissolution of gallstones

Unfortunately, there are times when liver lesions have to be removed through surgery. But to prevent this from happening in your life, you must monitor your lifestyle, habits and nutrition. In this case, everything depends only on you!

Pain in the chest on the right, due to failures in the cardiovascular system. The heart is the organ without which human life is impossible. When making any independent decisions about his treatment, the patient has every chance to make a mistake and harm himself. Therefore, only a highly qualified specialist can determine the seriousness of the disease and decide on a strategy for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The most terrible and generalizing feature of all cardiovascular diseases is that they all have a progressive character. That is why it is so important to contact a cardiologist at the first symptoms in order to stop the destructive processes in the early stages of the disease, quickly and effectively correct the work of the heart. Believe me, the sooner you start treating your sick heart, the more likely it is to restore its work, the fewer drugs you will have to drink, the cleaner your liver will be. Remember that sometimes heart disease has a latent progressive nature, and the patient may not even suspect that it is high time for him to start treatment.

How to prevent right chest pain

First of all, as a prevention of chest pain on the right, you need to control your lifestyle, and not go with the flow:

• You need to eat right, eat more vegetables and fruits and pay less attention to fatty foods, preservatives and fast food. After all, human eating habits affect primarily the work of his internal organs. In lovers of fatty foods, the heart and liver are filled with cholesterol plaques, which leads to diseases of the cardiovascular and digestive systems, metabolism is disturbed, and obesity appears.
• Advice from a qualified coach will help you play sports wisely. They will teach you how to avoid injury and overload, as well as severe consequences in the form of long-term treatment and pain.
• Do not self-medicate for acute respiratory illnesses that could be extremely distressing to you. After all, a simple cold or advanced bronchitis can one day turn into inflammatory or oncological formations.
• If you have experienced a bruise or chest injury, do not think that everything will go away on its own. There is a possibility that the organs that it protects, which are directly under it, are also injured. Micro-ruptures, sprains and hematomas after an injury can remind of themselves in a few months or even years.

Any pain is easier to prevent than to spend your energy, time and unexpected capital to cure it. But pain in the right hypochondrium is just a symptom, because it does not come from nowhere on its own – there is always a disease behind it, and sometimes it can turn out to be too serious, the remaining life may not be enough to cure it. We sincerely hope that you have fully realized the seriousness of the situation and now you understand that no matter what the nature of the pain is, it is worth contacting a qualified specialist for its reason and not waiting for it to simply pass on its own. After all, pain signals do not disappear without a trace. Be attentive to your body, and it will repay you with health and longevity.

≡ Pain in the chest on the right • treatment of pain in the right chest in Kyiv

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• REASONS
• When should you see a doctor?
• TREATMENT at the ASSET CENTER

Pain in the right side of the chest may indicate serious medical conditions that are not usually related to the heart, but they can also be symptoms of other equally dangerous diseases. If you experience discomfort and pain in the right side of your chest, you should immediately see a doctor to treat this condition.

Causes of right chest pain

Causes of pain in the right side of the chest vary from the effects of excessive physical activity to infections and underlying diseases. Some of the best explained reasons are listed here:

• Viral infection: a viral infection that is responsible for a cold or flu, aching pain in the right chest when inhaling. Chest pain may become more pronounced with deep breathing and coughing.
• Gastritis: Gastritis, or inflammation of the stomach wall, usually occurs after fasting or excessive alcohol consumption and can cause abdominal pain and sharp pains in the right chest.
• Pleural Inflammation: Inflammation of the pleural tissues surrounding the lungs can cause pain in the right side of the chest, and in some cases the pain is aggravated by deep breathing and coughing.
• Gallbladder disease: Gallbladder attacks often present as pain in the right side of the chest due to inflammation of the gallbladder, and this may become more apparent after eating foods high in fat. You may also experience pain if gallstones get stuck in your bile duct.
• Spine and muscles: severe pain in the chest on the right can be provoked by incorrect body position, which lead to compression of muscle groups between the ribs and compression of organs in the chest: this occurs, for example, in the case of scoliosis, herniated disc, spondylosis. Muscular pain in the chest on the right, is defined as chronic, diffuse, fluctuating and migratory, and can also affect the intercostal muscle groups, both on the right and on the left.
• Intercostal neuralgia: In this case, the pain is caused by inflammation of the intercostal nerves. The most easily identified inflammation is cold or, in general, any sudden change in temperature. Dull pain on the right above the chest or the entire chest, restricting movement and squeezing the internal organs.
• Gastrointestinal Disorders: Gastrointestinal disorders associated with the esophagus often result in hardening of the walls, which may present as pain in the right side of the chest.
• Inflammation of the liver and hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver can cause pain on the right under the chest, as well as pain on the right side of the chest. Similarly, it can cause hepatitis, which is a disease that causes swelling and inflammation of the liver. To determine this disease, doctors will need to conduct medical tests to diagnose hepatitis.
• Trauma: Recent trauma such as a minor shift of a rib, a fracture, or problems with the cervical spine can be major causes of pain in the right side of the chest.
• Pancreatic dysfunction: Inflammation of the pancreas can lead to swelling of the abdomen, which can radiate chest pain.
• Cardiovascular problems: when there is a stabbing pain in the right side of the chest, the greatest fear is that it may be a sign of cardiovascular diseases, such as a heart attack. Since the center of pain may be on the left, but give to the right side. In assessing the origin of pain behind the chest on the right or left, the time factor is always taken into account. True heart pain is not of a long-term nature, the count goes on for minutes. In other words, the heart cannot “wine, pull, prick” for several hours, days, or day after day.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): is a chronic disease, inflammation of the walls of the lower esophagus, as a result of the movement of gastric or duodenal contents into the esophagus. Irritation of the esophagus may present as chest pain.
• Breast tumors: Tumors that develop inside or around the lungs can cause pain on the right side of the chest.
• Side effects of antacids: Chronic use of antacids is associated with pain in the right side of the chest.
• Excessive effort: strenuous activities that require the use of the pectoral muscles can lead to pain in the right side. The pain is likely related to muscle pain and may be exacerbated by specific movements.
• Stress: Stress can aggravate digestive disorders that lead to pain on the right side of the chest. Some key stressors are work, school or family and relationship issues.
• Muscle strain: A strain on the muscles or ligaments of the chest and trauma to the chest can lead to pain in the right side of the chest.
• Food blockage: Blockage of the esophagus by food or drink causes congestion that can lead to pain in the right side of the chest.

Complications of right chest pain

Other symptoms may occur as a result of pain in the right side of the chest: burning in the chest and under the chest, acid reflux in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, painful breathing, pain in the chest when changing body position, circulatory disorders in the hands.

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In case of chest pain, in combination with the following symptoms, you should call an ambulance for immediate medical attention: sudden pressure, feeling of oppression and overwhelming weight under the breast; chest pain radiating to the left arm, back, or jaws; after long periods of inactivity in the chest there is a sudden throbbing pain in the right chest, which is accompanied by difficulty in breathing; fast heart rate, dizziness, nausea, rapid breathing, confusion, pallor, and excessive sweating; extremely low heart rate or blood pressure.

In this case, self-treatment is not desirable. Taking painkillers can only muffle the manifestations of pain, but not cure. If you experience any pain in the right side of the chest, you should definitely see a doctor as soon as possible. The Active Center deals with the treatment of pain on the right in the chest in Kyiv arising from a disease of the musculoskeletal system. Scoliosis, intervertebral hernia, muscles, diseases of the cervical and thoracic spine

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This blog is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. The content of the blog on the resource active-center.com.ua is for informational purposes only. Please consult a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health-related diagnosis or treatment options. Self-medication can be hazardous to your health.

My story, which led me to the Active Center, may be familiar to many. I was tormented by chest pain, for a long time they could not find the cause. Tolya did not get to those doctors, or doctors are like that. The age is no longer childish, as I thought it was a problem with the heart. I went to a cardiologist for an appointment, they did a cardiogram, but prescribed medication. But I didn’t feel better from them, although the pain either went away or appeared again, when I breathed in, it pricked my chest. They advised me to visit a neurologist. I found a consultation near the house and I got to the neurologist Holovataya Olga, although she had already finished the appointment, but agreed to see me without an appointment.