What causes pain in the sternum area. How can you differentiate between heart-related and non-cardiac chest pain. When should you seek medical attention for breastbone discomfort. What are the common treatments for sternum pain.

The Anatomy of the Sternum: Your Body’s Natural Shield

The sternum, commonly known as the breastbone, is a crucial component of the human skeletal system. This flat bone, located in the center of the chest, plays a vital role in protecting our internal organs and connecting the ribs. Understanding its structure and function is essential for comprehending the various causes of sternum pain.

Key Facts About the Sternum

• The sternum is approximately 17 centimeters long in adults
• It consists of three main parts: the manubrium, body, and xiphoid process
• The sternum serves as an attachment point for several important muscles
• It protects vital organs such as the heart and lungs

Given its central location and connection to various bodily systems, pain in the sternum area can be attributed to a wide range of conditions, from minor muscle strains to more serious cardiac issues.

Costochondritis: The Most Common Cause of Sternum Pain

When experiencing discomfort in the breastbone area, costochondritis is often the culprit. This condition involves inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the sternum. While it can be concerning, costochondritis is generally not a serious condition.

Identifying Costochondritis Symptoms

How can you tell if your sternum pain is due to costochondritis. Look for these characteristic signs:

• Sharp pains or aches on the side of your sternum area
• Discomfort in one or more ribs
• Pain that worsens when coughing or breathing deeply
• Tenderness when pressing on the affected area

Although costochondritis can occur without a clear cause, it’s often linked to chest injuries, physical strain, or underlying joint conditions like osteoarthritis. If you suspect costochondritis, rest and over-the-counter pain relievers may help alleviate symptoms. However, persistent or severe pain warrants a medical consultation.

Musculoskeletal Causes of Sternum Pain: Beyond Costochondritis

While costochondritis is a common culprit, various other musculoskeletal conditions can lead to sternum discomfort. Understanding these potential causes can help in identifying the root of your pain and seeking appropriate treatment.

Sternoclavicular Joint Injury

The sternoclavicular (SC) joint connects the top of the sternum to the collarbone. Injury to this joint can manifest as pain in the upper chest area. What are the telltale signs of an SC joint injury.

• Mild pain or aching around the upper chest and collarbone area
• Audible pops or clicks when moving the joint
• Stiffness and limited shoulder mobility

Collarbone Trauma

Given its direct connection to the sternum, trauma to the collarbone (clavicle) can result in sternum pain. Common symptoms include:

• Bruising or visible deformity around the collarbone
• Severe pain when attempting to raise the arm
• Abnormal sagging of the affected shoulder

Sternum Fracture

Though less common, a fracture of the sternum itself can occur, typically due to significant blunt force trauma. How can you recognize a potential sternum fracture.

• Intense pain, especially when breathing or coughing
• Difficulty taking deep breaths
• Visible swelling or bruising over the sternum

It’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you suspect a sternum fracture, as it can be associated with other internal injuries.

Gastrointestinal Causes: When Your Digestive System Mimics Chest Pain

Interestingly, many cases of sternum pain are not related to the chest wall or musculoskeletal system at all. The proximity of digestive organs to the sternum means that gastrointestinal issues can often manifest as chest discomfort.

Heartburn and Acid Reflux

One of the most common digestive causes of sternum pain is acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). How does acid reflux lead to chest discomfort.

• Stomach acid flows back into the esophagus
• This causes a burning sensation in the chest, often mistaken for cardiac pain
• Pain may worsen when lying down or after meals

Hiatal Hernia

A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. This condition can cause symptoms similar to heartburn, including sternum pain. What are the signs of a hiatal hernia.

• Frequent burping or belching
• Difficulty swallowing
• Feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen
• Chest pain or pressure, especially after meals

While many hiatal hernias are asymptomatic, larger hernias or those causing significant symptoms may require medical intervention.

Cardiac Concerns: When to Worry About Heart-Related Chest Pain

Although many cases of sternum pain are benign, it’s crucial to be aware of the possibility of cardiac issues, especially in individuals with risk factors for heart disease. Understanding the differences between cardiac and non-cardiac chest pain can be lifesaving.

Characteristics of Heart-Related Chest Pain

How can you distinguish between cardiac chest pain and other types of sternum discomfort.

• Pressure, squeezing, or fullness in the center of the chest
• Pain that radiates to the arm, jaw, or back
• Associated symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, or lightheadedness
• Pain that worsens with physical exertion and improves with rest

It’s important to note that heart attack symptoms can vary, especially in women, older adults, and individuals with diabetes. When in doubt, it’s always best to seek immediate medical attention.

Diagnostic Approaches: Unraveling the Mystery of Your Sternum Pain

Given the wide array of potential causes for sternum pain, accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. Healthcare providers employ various methods to determine the root cause of your discomfort.

Physical Examination

A thorough physical exam is often the first step in diagnosing sternum pain. What does this examination typically involve.

• Palpation of the chest wall to identify areas of tenderness
• Assessment of range of motion in the shoulders and upper body
• Listening to heart and lung sounds
• Evaluation of overall physical condition and vital signs

Imaging Studies

Depending on the suspected cause, various imaging techniques may be employed:

• X-rays to visualize bone structures and detect fractures
• CT scans for a more detailed view of soft tissues and organs
• MRI to assess soft tissue injuries or inflammation

Cardiac Testing

If heart-related issues are suspected, additional tests may be ordered:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) to evaluate heart rhythm and electrical activity
• Stress tests to assess heart function during physical exertion
• Blood tests to check for cardiac enzymes indicative of heart damage

The specific combination of diagnostic tools used will depend on your symptoms, medical history, and the healthcare provider’s clinical assessment.

Treatment Options: Alleviating Sternum Pain and Addressing Underlying Causes

The treatment for sternum pain varies widely depending on its cause. From simple home remedies to more complex medical interventions, understanding your options can help you manage your symptoms effectively.

Conservative Management

For many cases of sternum pain, particularly those related to minor musculoskeletal issues, conservative treatment approaches are often sufficient. What are some common conservative treatments.

• Rest and activity modification to avoid aggravating the pain
• Application of ice or heat to reduce inflammation and promote healing
• Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
• Gentle stretching exercises to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness

Medications

Depending on the underlying cause, various medications may be prescribed:

• Stronger anti-inflammatory drugs for severe cases of costochondritis
• Antacids or proton pump inhibitors for acid reflux-related pain
• Muscle relaxants for pain caused by muscle strain or spasms

Physical Therapy

For chronic or recurring sternum pain, physical therapy can be beneficial. How does physical therapy help with sternum pain.

• Strengthening exercises for the chest and upper body muscles
• Posture correction techniques to reduce strain on the sternum
• Manual therapy to improve joint mobility and reduce pain
• Education on proper body mechanics to prevent future injuries

Surgical Interventions

In rare cases, surgical treatment may be necessary. This is typically reserved for severe injuries or conditions that don’t respond to conservative measures. Examples include:

• Repair of severe sternoclavicular joint dislocations
• Surgical fixation of sternum fractures in cases of chest wall instability
• Correction of large hiatal hernias causing persistent symptoms

The specific treatment plan will be tailored to your individual case, taking into account the cause of your pain, its severity, and your overall health status.

Prevention Strategies: Safeguarding Your Sternum Health

While not all causes of sternum pain are preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of experiencing this discomfort. Implementing these strategies can help maintain the health of your chest wall and surrounding structures.

Proper Posture and Body Mechanics

Maintaining good posture is crucial for preventing strain on the sternum and surrounding muscles. How can you improve your posture.

• Be mindful of your sitting and standing positions throughout the day
• Use ergonomic furniture and equipment, especially if you have a desk job
• Take regular breaks to stretch and move around if you sit for long periods
• Practice exercises that strengthen your core and improve overall posture

Safe Exercise Practices

While physical activity is generally beneficial, improper exercise techniques can lead to sternum pain. Keep these tips in mind:

• Warm up properly before engaging in strenuous activities
• Use correct form when lifting weights or performing chest exercises
• Gradually increase the intensity of your workouts to avoid overexertion
• Wear appropriate protective gear during contact sports

Lifestyle Modifications

Certain lifestyle changes can help prevent sternum pain, especially if it’s related to gastrointestinal issues:

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on your chest and abdomen
• Avoid eating large meals close to bedtime
• Limit consumption of foods that trigger acid reflux, such as spicy or fatty foods
• Quit smoking, as it can exacerbate many conditions that cause chest pain

Regular Health Check-ups

Routine medical examinations can help catch potential issues before they become problematic. How often should you have a check-up.

• Annual physical exams for most adults
• More frequent check-ups if you have existing health conditions or risk factors
• Prompt medical evaluation if you experience new or concerning symptoms

By incorporating these preventive measures into your daily life, you can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing sternum pain and promote overall chest health.

Sternum Pain: What Is It?

Pain in your sternum, or breastbone, may be caused by a number of things, including inflammation, a joint or collarbone injury, and acid reflux. Pain in your sternum may also happen with a heart attack, but this is more likely if you’re over the age of 40 and have heart disease.

Your sternum, or breastbone, connects the two sides of your rib cage together. It sits in front of many major organs located in your chest and gut, including your heart, lungs, and stomach. As a result, many conditions that don’t necessarily have anything to do with your sternum may cause pain in your sternum and the surrounding area.

Your first reaction to chest pain, especially severe or consistent chest pain, may be to think it’s a heart attack. But in many cases, chest pain has nothing to do with your heart. This is especially true if you’re under age 40 and don’t have any serious health issues or existing conditions.

Sternum pain is actually more likely caused by conditions that have to do with your muscles, your bones, or your digestive tract than with your heart or the sternum itself.

Keep reading to learn the most common reasons for sternum pain and when you should see your doctor.

The most common cause of sternum pain is a condition called costochondritis. This occurs when the cartilage that connects your ribs to your sternum becomes inflamed.

Symptoms of costochondritis include:

• sharp pains or aches on the side of your sternum area
• pain or discomfort in one or more ribs
• pain or discomfort that gets worse when you cough or breathe in deeply

Costochondritis doesn’t always have a specific cause, but it’s most often a result of a chest injury, strain from physical activity, or joint conditions like osteoarthritis. Costochondritis isn’t a serious condition and shouldn’t cause you to be concerned.

See your doctor if the pain persists or if you have other symptoms that might indicate a more serious underlying condition.

Conditions or injuries to the muscles and bones around your sternum can also cause sternum pain.

This includes:

• joint injury
• collarbone (clavicle) injury
• fractures
• hernias
• surgery on the sternum (such as open heart surgery)

These aren’t the only musculoskeletal conditions that may make your sternum hurt, but they’re among the most common.

Sternoclavicular joint injury

The sternoclavicular joint (SC joint) connects the top of your sternum with your collarbone (clavicle). Injury to this joint can cause pain and discomfort in your sternum and in the area in your upper chest where this joint exists.

Common symptoms of injury to this joint include:

• feeling mild pain or having aching and swelling around your upper chest and collarbone area
• hearing pops or clicks in the joint area
• feeling stiff around the joint or not being able to fully move your shoulder

Collarbone trauma

The collarbone is directly connected to your sternum, so injuries, dislocation, fractures, or other trauma to the collarbone can affect the sternum.

Common symptoms of collarbone trauma include:

• bruises or bumps around area of collarbone injury
• intense pain when you try to move your arm upwards
• swelling or tenderness around collarbone area
• pops, clicks, or grinding noises when you lift your arm
• abnormal frontward sagging of your shoulder

Sternum fracture

Fracturing your sternum can cause a lot of pain, because your sternum is involved in many of your upper body movements. This type of injury is often caused by blunt force injuries to your chest. Examples of this include your seat belt tightening in a car accident or your chest getting hit while you’re playing sports or doing other high-impact physical activity.

Common symptoms include:

• pain when you breathe in or cough
• difficulty breathing
• pops, clicks, or grinding noises when you move your arms
• swelling and tenderness over the sternum

Muscle strain or hernia

Pulling or straining a muscle in your chest can cause pain around your sternum.

Common symptoms of a pulled muscle include:

• pain around the pulled muscle
• discomfort when using the affected muscle
• bruising or tenderness around the affected muscle

A hernia can also cause sternum pain. A hernia happens when an organ is pushed or pulled from the area where it normally sits into a nearby part of the body.

The most common kind is a hiatal hernia. This happens when your stomach moves up past your diaphragm into your chest cavity.

Common symptoms of a hiatal hernia include:

• frequent burping
• heartburn
• having trouble swallowing
• feeling like you ate too much
• throwing up blood
• having black-colored stool

Check out: Muscle strain treatment »

Your sternum sits right in front of several major digestive organs. Conditions that affect your esophagus, stomach, and intestines can all cause sternum pain. Having heartburn or acid reflux after a meal are the most common gastrointestinal causes for sternum pain.

Heartburn

Heartburn happens when acid from your stomach leaks into your esophagus and causes chest pain. It’s common to get right after you eat. Pain usually gets worse when you lie down or bend forward.

Heartburn usually goes away without treatment after a short time.

Check out: Post-meal tips to ease heartburn »

Acid reflux

Acid reflux is similar to heartburn, but happens when stomach acid or even what’s in your stomach starts to bother or wear away the lining of your esophagus. It can be part of a chronic condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Symptoms of acid reflux include:

• burning in your chest
• abnormal bitter taste in your mouth
• difficulty swallowing
• coughing
• throat soreness or hoarseness
• feeling like you have a lump in your throat

Learn more: How to prevent acid reflux and heartburn »

Conditions that affect your lungs, windpipe (trachea), and other parts of your body that help you breathe can cause sternum pain.

Pleurisy

Pleurisy happens when your pleura gets inflamed. The pleura is made up of tissue within your chest cavity and around your lungs. In some cases, fluid can build up around this tissue. This is called pleural effusion.

Common symptoms include:

• sharp pain when you breathe in, sneeze, or cough
• feeling like you can’t get enough air
• an abnormal cough
• fever (in rare cases)

Bronchitis

Bronchitis happens when the bronchial tubes that bring air into your lungs become inflamed. It often happens when you get the flu or a cold.

Bronchitis pain can also make your sternum hurt as you breathe in and out. It can last only briefly (acute bronchitis) or become a long-term condition (chronic bronchitis) due to smoking or infections.

Common bronchitis symptoms include:

• persistent wet cough that causes you to spit up mucus
• wheezing
• difficulty breathing
• pain or discomfort in your chest

Flu or cold symptoms that can go along with bronchitis include:

• high fever
• exhaustion
• runny nose
• diarrhea
• vomiting

Check out: 7 home remedies for bronchitis »

Pneumonia

Pneumonia happens when your lungs get infected by a virus or bacteria.

Common symptoms of pneumonia include:

• difficulty breathing
• high fever
• persistent cough

Other conditions that affect your gastrointestinal tract or your chest muscles can cause sternum pain.

Stomach ulcer

A stomach ulcer (peptic ulcer) happens when you get a sore on the lining of your stomach or at the bottom of your esophagus.

Symptoms of a stomach ulcer include:

• stomach pain, especially on an empty stomach, that responds to antacids
• feeling bloated
• nausea
• lack of appetite

Panic attack

A panic attack happens when you suddenly feel fear, as if something dangerous or threatening is happening, with no actual reason to be afraid. It’s often a result of stress or a symptom of mental health conditions, such as generalized anxiety disorder or depression.

Symptoms of a panic attack include:

• feeling like something bad is about to happen
• feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• having trouble breathing or swallowing
• sweating
• feeling alternately hot and cold
• stomach cramps
• chest pain

Check out: 11 ways to stop a panic attack »

Sternum pain can sometimes be the result of a heart attack. This is much less likely if you’re under age 40 or are in overall good health. They’re more likely to happen if you’re over 40 and have an existing condition, such as heart disease.

A heart attack is life-threatening. You should go to the emergency room right away if you have any symptoms besides sternum pain that may indicate a heart attack, especially if they appear without any obvious cause or if you’ve had a heart attack before.

Symptoms of a heart attack include:

• chest pain in the middle or left side of your chest
• pain or discomfort in your upper body, including your arms, shoulder, and jaw
• feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• having trouble breathing
• sweating
• nausea

The more of these symptoms you have, the more likely that you’re having a heart attack.

See your doctor right away if you have heart attack symptoms or symptoms that cause you sharp, consistent pain that gets in the way of your daily life.

You should also see your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

• sternum and general chest pain that has no obvious cause
• sweating, dizziness, or nausea with no specific cause
• trouble breathing
• pain that spreads from your chest throughout your upper body
• chest tightness

If you’re experiencing other symptoms and they last for more than a few days, talk to your doctor.

You can find a primary care doctor near you through the Healthline FindCare tool.

Your next steps depend on what condition might be causing your sternum pain and how severe the condition is.

You may just need to take over-the-counter pain medication or change your diet. But you may need long-term treatment if the underlying condition is more serious. In some cases, you may need surgery to treat a heart or gastrointestinal condition.

Once your doctor diagnoses the cause, they can develop a treatment plan that can help relieve the symptoms and causes of your sternum pain.

Sternum Pain: What Is It?

Pain in your sternum, or breastbone, may be caused by a number of things, including inflammation, a joint or collarbone injury, and acid reflux. Pain in your sternum may also happen with a heart attack, but this is more likely if you’re over the age of 40 and have heart disease.

Your sternum, or breastbone, connects the two sides of your rib cage together. It sits in front of many major organs located in your chest and gut, including your heart, lungs, and stomach. As a result, many conditions that don’t necessarily have anything to do with your sternum may cause pain in your sternum and the surrounding area.

Your first reaction to chest pain, especially severe or consistent chest pain, may be to think it’s a heart attack. But in many cases, chest pain has nothing to do with your heart. This is especially true if you’re under age 40 and don’t have any serious health issues or existing conditions.

Sternum pain is actually more likely caused by conditions that have to do with your muscles, your bones, or your digestive tract than with your heart or the sternum itself.

Keep reading to learn the most common reasons for sternum pain and when you should see your doctor.

The most common cause of sternum pain is a condition called costochondritis. This occurs when the cartilage that connects your ribs to your sternum becomes inflamed.

Symptoms of costochondritis include:

• sharp pains or aches on the side of your sternum area
• pain or discomfort in one or more ribs
• pain or discomfort that gets worse when you cough or breathe in deeply

Costochondritis doesn’t always have a specific cause, but it’s most often a result of a chest injury, strain from physical activity, or joint conditions like osteoarthritis. Costochondritis isn’t a serious condition and shouldn’t cause you to be concerned.

See your doctor if the pain persists or if you have other symptoms that might indicate a more serious underlying condition.

Conditions or injuries to the muscles and bones around your sternum can also cause sternum pain.

This includes:

• joint injury
• collarbone (clavicle) injury
• fractures
• hernias
• surgery on the sternum (such as open heart surgery)

These aren’t the only musculoskeletal conditions that may make your sternum hurt, but they’re among the most common.

Sternoclavicular joint injury

The sternoclavicular joint (SC joint) connects the top of your sternum with your collarbone (clavicle). Injury to this joint can cause pain and discomfort in your sternum and in the area in your upper chest where this joint exists.

Common symptoms of injury to this joint include:

• feeling mild pain or having aching and swelling around your upper chest and collarbone area
• hearing pops or clicks in the joint area
• feeling stiff around the joint or not being able to fully move your shoulder

Collarbone trauma

The collarbone is directly connected to your sternum, so injuries, dislocation, fractures, or other trauma to the collarbone can affect the sternum.

Common symptoms of collarbone trauma include:

• bruises or bumps around area of collarbone injury
• intense pain when you try to move your arm upwards
• swelling or tenderness around collarbone area
• pops, clicks, or grinding noises when you lift your arm
• abnormal frontward sagging of your shoulder

Sternum fracture

Fracturing your sternum can cause a lot of pain, because your sternum is involved in many of your upper body movements. This type of injury is often caused by blunt force injuries to your chest. Examples of this include your seat belt tightening in a car accident or your chest getting hit while you’re playing sports or doing other high-impact physical activity.

Common symptoms include:

• pain when you breathe in or cough
• difficulty breathing
• pops, clicks, or grinding noises when you move your arms
• swelling and tenderness over the sternum

Muscle strain or hernia

Pulling or straining a muscle in your chest can cause pain around your sternum.

Common symptoms of a pulled muscle include:

• pain around the pulled muscle
• discomfort when using the affected muscle
• bruising or tenderness around the affected muscle

A hernia can also cause sternum pain. A hernia happens when an organ is pushed or pulled from the area where it normally sits into a nearby part of the body.

The most common kind is a hiatal hernia. This happens when your stomach moves up past your diaphragm into your chest cavity.

Common symptoms of a hiatal hernia include:

• frequent burping
• heartburn
• having trouble swallowing
• feeling like you ate too much
• throwing up blood
• having black-colored stool

Check out: Muscle strain treatment »

Your sternum sits right in front of several major digestive organs. Conditions that affect your esophagus, stomach, and intestines can all cause sternum pain. Having heartburn or acid reflux after a meal are the most common gastrointestinal causes for sternum pain.

Heartburn

Heartburn happens when acid from your stomach leaks into your esophagus and causes chest pain. It’s common to get right after you eat. Pain usually gets worse when you lie down or bend forward.

Heartburn usually goes away without treatment after a short time.

Check out: Post-meal tips to ease heartburn »

Acid reflux

Acid reflux is similar to heartburn, but happens when stomach acid or even what’s in your stomach starts to bother or wear away the lining of your esophagus. It can be part of a chronic condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Symptoms of acid reflux include:

• burning in your chest
• abnormal bitter taste in your mouth
• difficulty swallowing
• coughing
• throat soreness or hoarseness
• feeling like you have a lump in your throat

Learn more: How to prevent acid reflux and heartburn »

Conditions that affect your lungs, windpipe (trachea), and other parts of your body that help you breathe can cause sternum pain.

Pleurisy

Pleurisy happens when your pleura gets inflamed. The pleura is made up of tissue within your chest cavity and around your lungs. In some cases, fluid can build up around this tissue. This is called pleural effusion.

Common symptoms include:

• sharp pain when you breathe in, sneeze, or cough
• feeling like you can’t get enough air
• an abnormal cough
• fever (in rare cases)

Bronchitis

Bronchitis happens when the bronchial tubes that bring air into your lungs become inflamed. It often happens when you get the flu or a cold.

Bronchitis pain can also make your sternum hurt as you breathe in and out. It can last only briefly (acute bronchitis) or become a long-term condition (chronic bronchitis) due to smoking or infections.

Common bronchitis symptoms include:

• persistent wet cough that causes you to spit up mucus
• wheezing
• difficulty breathing
• pain or discomfort in your chest

Flu or cold symptoms that can go along with bronchitis include:

• high fever
• exhaustion
• runny nose
• diarrhea
• vomiting

Check out: 7 home remedies for bronchitis »

Pneumonia

Pneumonia happens when your lungs get infected by a virus or bacteria.

Common symptoms of pneumonia include:

• difficulty breathing
• high fever
• persistent cough

Other conditions that affect your gastrointestinal tract or your chest muscles can cause sternum pain.

Stomach ulcer

A stomach ulcer (peptic ulcer) happens when you get a sore on the lining of your stomach or at the bottom of your esophagus.

Symptoms of a stomach ulcer include:

• stomach pain, especially on an empty stomach, that responds to antacids
• feeling bloated
• nausea
• lack of appetite

Panic attack

A panic attack happens when you suddenly feel fear, as if something dangerous or threatening is happening, with no actual reason to be afraid. It’s often a result of stress or a symptom of mental health conditions, such as generalized anxiety disorder or depression.

Symptoms of a panic attack include:

• feeling like something bad is about to happen
• feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• having trouble breathing or swallowing
• sweating
• feeling alternately hot and cold
• stomach cramps
• chest pain

Check out: 11 ways to stop a panic attack »

Sternum pain can sometimes be the result of a heart attack. This is much less likely if you’re under age 40 or are in overall good health. They’re more likely to happen if you’re over 40 and have an existing condition, such as heart disease.

A heart attack is life-threatening. You should go to the emergency room right away if you have any symptoms besides sternum pain that may indicate a heart attack, especially if they appear without any obvious cause or if you’ve had a heart attack before.

Symptoms of a heart attack include:

• chest pain in the middle or left side of your chest
• pain or discomfort in your upper body, including your arms, shoulder, and jaw
• feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• having trouble breathing
• sweating
• nausea

The more of these symptoms you have, the more likely that you’re having a heart attack.

See your doctor right away if you have heart attack symptoms or symptoms that cause you sharp, consistent pain that gets in the way of your daily life.

You should also see your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

• sternum and general chest pain that has no obvious cause
• sweating, dizziness, or nausea with no specific cause
• trouble breathing
• pain that spreads from your chest throughout your upper body
• chest tightness

If you’re experiencing other symptoms and they last for more than a few days, talk to your doctor.

You can find a primary care doctor near you through the Healthline FindCare tool.

Your next steps depend on what condition might be causing your sternum pain and how severe the condition is.

You may just need to take over-the-counter pain medication or change your diet. But you may need long-term treatment if the underlying condition is more serious. In some cases, you may need surgery to treat a heart or gastrointestinal condition.

Once your doctor diagnoses the cause, they can develop a treatment plan that can help relieve the symptoms and causes of your sternum pain.

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.

Right chest pain

Right chest pain

As soon as a person’s physical pain is called: both “health watchdog” and “border guard at the outpost between the human body and the external environment” … Everything is correct, because the human body reacts to any injury or illness with pain sensations of various localization, intensity and duration. And the main task is to establish the cause of the pain. Let’s see what pain receptors signal when we feel right chest pain .

Let us immediately clarify that “breast” is a concept that varies widely in everyday life. If we adhere to the concepts of human anatomy, then this is one of the parts of the body formed by the sternum, ribs, spine and muscles, that is, the chest (in Latin – compages thoracis). The thoracic cavity contains the thoracic cavity and the upper part of the abdominal cavity. All this – both inside and outside – is surrounded by muscles.

We also call the anterior wall of the chest cavity breast, and in women, the mammary glands located on it (in Latin – mamma). By the way, men also have mammary glands, but they – as completely unnecessary – remain in an underdeveloped state and do not perform any functions.

We will consider pain in the right chest in all variations of the concept of “chest”.

Why the right breast hurts

Considering that certain organs are located on the right side of the human chest, the etiology of painful sensations of this localization is most often associated with them.

Pain in the right chest with a deep breath gives doctors every reason to assume that a person has such a very common disease as right-sided pneumonia. Right-sided pneumonia is more common than left-sided pneumonia, because the right bronchus is shorter and wider than the left, which contributes to its infection. At the same time, as doctors note, cases of erased right-sided pneumonia – when it occurs with virtually no symptoms – have recently become more frequent.

If pain in the right chest during inhalation is accompanied by a cough with serous-purulent sputum, then this may be a sign of any other disease of the lungs and bronchi: bronchitis, pleurisy, tuberculosis, malignant tumors of the lungs.

Pain in the right chest may have a muscular or bone etiology. So, pain in the muscles on the right side of the chest is often associated with the so-called myofascial pain syndrome – a spasm of tense muscles, in which there are painful seals next to the nerve fibers of muscle tissues. This syndrome is typical for athletes and people associated with constant heavy physical exertion.

There will be severe pain in the right chest (on the right side of the sternum) and with intercostal neuralgia. With this pathology, pain receptors of the peripheral intercostal nerves respond to hypothermia, inflammatory foci, heavy lifting, severe stress, sudden movements or a long uncomfortable posture. Sharp pain in the right chest – along the ribs – extends to the sternum and intensifies with any movement and even with breathing.

Dull pain in the right chest (on the right side of the anterior, lateral and posterior walls of the chest) is characteristic of spondylosis of the cervical and thoracic spine, in which the vertebrae are deformed due to the growth of bone tissue. Pathological spiny growths on the vertebrae (osteophytes) narrow the spinal canal and compress the nerve endings. This leads to dull, aching pain in the corresponding section of the spine, which is given in all the walls of the chest. Also, the cause of pain in the right chest – like intercostal neuralgia – can be thoracic osteochondrosis, which is often confused with pneumonia.

Pain under the right breast and in the right upper abdomen can be caused by acute and chronic diseases of the gallbladder and liver: cholecystitis, gallstone disease, pancreatitis or hepatitis.

Right breast pain in women

Pain in the right breast in women with a normal menstrual cycle is a consequence of the natural hormonal changes that occur in the female body every month. Such pains are called mastodynia and, in the absence of pathology, are not strong: minor painful sensations cause touching the mammary gland.

However, increased pain in the right breast may be a sign of fibrocystic changes in breast tissue – mastopathy (diffuse and nodular). With diffuse mastopathy, the right (or left) breast swells, tissue thickening, pain and discharge from the nipple appear. Then the disease passes into the second stage – nodular mastopathy. At the same time, the pain in the right breast intensifies and becomes almost constant, and the size of the cystic formations increases.

Pain in the right breast (in some areas of the mammary gland) with a change in its shape, reddening of the skin, retraction of the nipple and spotting are signs of breast cancer.

Pain in the right breast

Acute pain in the right chest – with shortness of breath and asthma attacks – may well be a pulmonary embolism, in which the lumen of the vessels of the lungs is blocked by a thrombus (dense blood clot). In this case, the pain occurs suddenly, it becomes difficult to breathe, a dry cough begins, the person sweats profusely and may lose consciousness.

Sharp pain in the right chest (in the chest) after physical exertion, coughing or for no apparent reason, which radiates to the neck and shoulder and increases with breathing and movement, may indicate the presence of air in the pleural cavity between the chest wall and the lung – pneumothorax.

If burning pain in the right chest (in the chest on the right) is aggravated by shortness of breath and a wet cough (with purulent sputum), then, most likely, the patient has bronchitis of the second or third stage or inflammation of the lower lobe of the right lung.

Aching pain in the right chest, capturing the axillary region and sometimes turning into stabbing pain in the right chest, in the absence of seals in the tissues, indicates neuralgia.

Constant pulling pain in the right breast in women (that is, in the mammary gland) is most often associated with mastopathy.

Diagnosis of pain in the right chest

Since pain in the right breast occurs with a variety of diseases and can be accompanied by many other symptoms, diagnosis is not only based on the examination of the patient and history. As a rule, patients with complaints of this nature undergo an X-ray examination.

So, a chest x-ray makes it possible to identify right-sided pneumonia and start its treatment in a timely manner. With inflammation of the lungs, the patient also gives a laboratory analysis of blood and sputum.

Diagnosis of pain in the right chest with pulmonary embolism is performed using computed tomographic angiography (CT angiography) and an electrocardiogram (ECG). X-rays and ultrasound help to identify pneumothorax.

And the diagnosis of pain in the right breast (mammary gland) in women is carried out on the basis of a complete examination, which includes ultrasound of the breast, mammography, blood tests for hormones and tumor markers. In addition, with nodular mastopathy, as well as with suspicions of benign or malignant tumors of the mammary gland, it may be necessary to take a tissue sample – a biopsy.

Treatment of right chest pain

“You should not treat the effect without curing the cause” is the basic principle of the treatment of all pain syndromes.

Pain in the right breast is treated only after the doctor has established an accurate diagnosis. Therapy of pneumonia is aimed at eliminating the focus of inflammation, so doctors prescribe a course of antibiotics. And expectorants are used to relieve cough.

In the treatment of pain in the right chest associated with intercostal neuralgia, myofascial pain syndrome, spondylosis of the cervical and thoracic spine and thoracic osteochondrosis, specialists use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, oral analgesics and local anesthetic ointments and gels, and also prescribe various physiotherapy.

Treatment of pain under the right breast and in the right upper abdominal cavity with cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, pancreatitis or hepatitis will be aimed at eliminating pathological processes in the relevant organs, and, as you yourself understand, self-treatment is not the place here.

After consulting a mammologist who will find out the cause of chest pain, women receive detailed recommendations on the treatment of the disease. In most cases, the treatment of pain in the right breast in women – with negative histological tests for oncology – is conservative. Diuretics, homeopathic remedies, vitamins, and, if necessary, hormone therapy are prescribed.

Prevention of right breast pain

The pain in the right chest that a person feels is a manifestation of many different diseases that occur for various reasons. Is it possible to insure that we never, anywhere and nothing hurt?

First of all, you need to treat your diseases and take care of your health, because “whoever expects to ensure his health while being lazy acts just as stupidly as a person who thinks in silence to improve his voice.” This was said by the ancient Greek philosopher Plutarch.

In Medieval Italy, the city of Salerno, near Naples, had its own medical school, and in the 14th century the Salerno Code of Health was written here, which begins like this:

If you want to restore health and not know diseases, Drive away the burden of worries and consider it unworthy to be angry, Dine modestly, forget about wines, do not consider it useless To stay awake after eating, avoiding midday sleep.