A heart attack is usually the cause of left-sided chest discomfort. You most likely don't have a heart issue if you experience any right side chest pain. In accordance with a 2019 research, you should get medical help right away if you are experiencing unexplained and unexpected severe chest pain; pressure, squeezing, or fullness in your chest; severe shooting pain through your arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach; break out into a cold sweat, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and/or difficulty breathing.
You should get emergency care as soon as possible if you experience any of these symptoms because they could be signs of a dangerous or life-threatening illness. Determining the seriousness of right side chest pain requires an understanding of its underlying causes. It will also enable the doctor to treat patients more effectively.
Causes of Right Side Chest Pain
Right-side chest pain is any discomfort you feel on the right side of your chest, and it can be caused by a number of factors. Here are some common reasons that might lead to right-sided chest pain:1. Anxiety/Stress
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, panic attacks, which can feel a lot like a heart attack, can be brought on by an anxiety disorder or extreme stress. Panic episodes can strike suddenly or be brought on by a stressful or traumatic experience in your life. Hyperventilation, or breathing quickly or deeply, during a panic attack can result in spasms in your chest wall muscles, which can cause chest pain. Anxiety or stress-related pain can affect the chest on either side. Since panic attack symptoms can resemble heart attack symptoms, you should get medical attention right away to rule out any heart-related problems. Another useful tool for preventing panic attacks is deep breathing.Additional symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations
- Nausea
- Vertigo
- Dizziness
- Numbness of hands and feet
- Trembling
- Sweating
- Fainting
2. Muscle strain
One of the most prevalent causes of pain on either side of your chest is muscle strain, which can be brought on by trauma or overuse. Sports-related high-intensity upper body activity or overusing your muscles during other strenuous activities can result in muscle strain. Tension or anxiety can also cause muscle pain to develop gradually. Resting and using over-the-counter painkillers will usually be sufficient to reduce your symptoms.3. Blunt trauma to the chest
According to 2021 research, tears in the pectoralis muscle can also cause chest pain. Usually, a blow to the chest that is direct or indirect results in tears. Additionally, rib fractures or rib displacement may arise from blunt trauma. See your doctor if you're feeling any of these symptoms. They are able to assess if treatment is required or if your injury can heal itself.Additional symptoms:
- Chest pain getting worse with coughing, laughing, or sneezing
- Shortness of breath
- Bruising
- Tenderness
- Swelling
4. Indigestion or heartburn
Heartburn is the term for the burning feeling that occurs in your chest after you eat, bend over, exercise, or even just lie down at night. The most common cause is acid reflux, which is the result of stomach acid refluxing back up into the esophagus. Stomach upset is referred to as indigestion. While indigestion alone does not usually result in chest pain, it can occur in conjunction with heartburn.Additional symptoms:
- Burning sensation in your throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Food-stuck sensation in the middle of your throat or chest
- Unexplained acidic sour taste in the back of your throat
- Nausea
- Feeling of fullness after eating
- Pain/burning/discomfort in the upper abdomen
- Bloating
5. Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
Acid reflux more than twice a week may indicate the onset of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Even though home remedies might help you feel better, you should see your doctor for a diagnosis. In order to help treat or prevent symptoms, they might be able to prescribe medication.GERD symptoms other than chest pain include:
- Heartburn
- Stomach pain
- Burping
- Sour taste in your mouth
- Lump-like sensation in your throat
- Dry cough
- Difficulty swallowing
6. Costochondritis
One of the most common signs and symptoms of costochondritis is chest pain. Inflammation of the cartilage in your rib cage results in this condition. It can hurt severely or barely at all. Though it usually affects the left side of your chest, it can also happen to the right. Additional symptoms include pain in your abdomen and back, which gets worse when you cough or inhale deeply. You should get emergency care if you experience chest pain from costochondritis that feels like a heart attack or other heart-related conditions. Any potentially fatal illnesses can be ruled out by your doctor.7. Cholecystitis
When bile accumulates in the gallbladder, it can cause inflammation (cholecystitis) of the gallbladder. Gallstones that obstruct the tube leading out of the organ are the most common cause of cholecystitis. An enlarged gallbladder can also result from tumors or issues with your bile duct. Chest pain is not the cause of cholecystitis, even though it may feel that way. An excruciating pain in your upper right abdomen that radiates to your right shoulder or back may indicate an inflamed gallbladder.Additional symptoms:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Sweating
- Appetite loss
- Tenderness
8. Pneumonia
An infection in one or both of your lungs is known as pneumonia. You may cough up phlegm when you have pneumonia, which can hurt on either side of your chest. Breathing may also cause you to experience chest pain.Additional symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Chills
- Diarrhea
9. Pulmonary hypertension
Hypertension of the heart-lung system is called pulmonary hypertension. Your heart may have to work harder as a result, which could hurt all over your chest.Additional symptoms:
- Shortness of breath during regular activity
- Light-headedness during physical activity
- Fatigue
- Pounding heartbeat
- Upper right side of abdominal pain
- Poor appetite
- Swelling in the ankles or legs
- Fainting
- Bluish lips or skin
Conclusion
FAQs
Q1: Why does one have right-sided chest pain?A: There are several possible causes of right-sided chest pain, including problems with your lungs, muscles, bones, or digestive system.
Q2: If I have pain on the right side of my chest, what should I do?
A: Consult with your doctor if the right side chest pain is causing you concern and persists for more than a few days. There's a chance that the aches and pains are coming from something more serious, like pulmonary hypertension, but they could also be from something mild, like acid reflux.
Q3: How can I determine if chest pain is severe?
A: Chest pain can be caused by a plethora of factors. If your chest pain is sudden, crushing, or if it shoots down your left arm or jaw, you should call emergency medical care.
