Chest pain can be a frightening experience that can signal a serious medical condition or simply a temporary discomfort. If you’re experiencing pain in the right side of your chest, it’s essential to understand the possible causes and seek medical attention. In this blog post, we will explore the most common reasons for chest pain on the right side, the symptoms to watch out for, the diagnostic process, the treatment options, and the prevention strategies.
We’ll also feature expert advice from Dr. Jasdeep Sidana so you can get the best advice possible regarding understanding your condition.
Possible Causes of Chest Pain on the Right Side
You might be experiencing pain on the right side of your chest for several reasons. But, according to Dr. Jasdeep Sidana, some of the most common causes include:
Rib Injuries or Fractures
Chest pains on the right side may be caused by rib injuries or fractures, which can be extremely painful due to the many nerve endings in the ribs and the constant contact with other bones, muscles, and tissue. Depending on the severity of the injury, there can be various issues, including:
- Pain when breathing
- Coughing
- Limited range of motion
- Tenderness when pressure is applied to the area around the injury
- Bruising
In some cases of rib injuries, these symptoms are accompanied by much more than typical chest pains. As a result, X-rays and any potential underlying problems, such as an infection or inflammation, are usually required for diagnosis and treatment. Along with rest and over-the-counter medications for pain relief, doctors may also provide physical therapy for patients suffering from rib fractures or injuries.
Costochondritis
According to Dr. Jasdeep Sidana, Costochondritis is a common cause of chest pain experienced on the right side. The condition is caused by cartilage inflammation where the ribs connect to the sternum, resulting in significant patient discomfort.
While it is usually not dangerous to one’s health, Dr. Sidana suggests seeking medical attention if the chest pain becomes more severe or spreads to other body parts. Taking these symptoms seriously and seeking professional medical advice is essential.
Lung conditions
A wide range of lung conditions, including pneumonia, pleurisy, pulmonary embolism, and pleural effusion, can cause chest pain on the right side.
- Pneumonia is an infection caused by various viruses, bacteria, or fungi and is one of the most common causes of chest pain on the right side.
- Pleurisy is inflammation of the lining around the lungs which causes sharp chest pains that worsen when you take deep breaths or cough.
- Pulmonary embolism occurs when a blockage develops in one of the arteries in your lungs, which causes tightness or sharp chest pains across your chest and difficulty breathing.
Pleural effusion occurs when fluid buildup between the layers of tissue that line your lungs and chest wall resulting in pain mostly on one side during coughing or deep breathing.
Heart-Related Issues
Coronary heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease, is characterized by narrowing arteries that supply blood to the heart. When this occurs, it can cause chest pain on the right side due to decreased oxygen flow and inflammation of cardiac tissues. In addition, aneurysms, or ballooning weaknesses in heart tissues, may also lead to chest pain as these weakened areas can rupture and create severe symptoms.
Additionally, some heart attack patients may experience chest pain on the right side because of blocked arteries in their chests, impeding blood flow to their hearts. All in all, chest pain on the right side can be dangerous and can occur for many reasons related to heart issues. Therefore, if you have experienced such symptoms, it is essential to consult a doctor to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
Digestive Disorders
Dr. Jasdeep Sidana explains that digestive disorders such as gallstones or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can be some of the significant causes of chest pain on the right side of the body. Gallstones are hard deposits inside the gallbladder and can cause inflammation or biliary colic.
This is a cramping abdominal pain that may also cause severe chest pain. With GERD, a muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, causing heartburn, nausea, and sometimes chest pain in the right side caused by this refluxing of acid from the stomach. Treatment for both these conditions is available and usually begins with lifestyle changes like reducing their intake of fatty foods, alcohol, coffee, and smoking if applicable, as well as medications when needed.
Anxiety or Stress
Stress and anxiety can cause chest pain, particularly on the right side. Experiencing chest pain on the right side can be highly concerning, and it can often be assumed that something must be wrong with your heart. However, in many cases, this feeling of tension or pressure is related to anxiety or stress.
During distress, we enter into a fight-or-flight response which leads to sympathetic stimulation. This increases the level of catecholamines (hormones like cortisol and epinephrine) which can result in tightness in the chest on the right side and air hunger. Anxiety and stress also directly affect muscle tension within the chest wall, which may lead to muscular chest pain.
It is important to note that while these feelings are common responses associated with anxiety and stress, they could also be related to various medical conditions; if you experience ongoing episodes of chest pain without an associated anxiety-triggering event, it is best to consult a doctor for further examination.
Symptoms of Chest Pain on the Right Side
Chest pain on the right side can indicate a severe underlying condition. Dr. Jasdeep Sidana recommends paying attention to the following symptoms:
- Sharp or dull pain: Depending on the cause, the pain can feel like a sharp, stabbing sensation or a dull ache.
- Burning sensation: Digestive issues can cause a burning sensation in the chest.
- Difficulty breathing: Lung-related issues can cause chest pain and difficulty breathing.
- Pain that worsens with movement: Rib injuries and fractures can cause pain that worsens when you move or breathe deeply.
- Pain that radiates to other parts of the body: If you feel the pain that radiates to your arm or back, this may be a sign of a heart-related issue.
Diagnosis of Chest Pain on the Right Side
You must see a doctor immediately if you’re experiencing chest pain on the right side. Dr. Jasdeep Sidana suggests that your doctor will likely perform a physical examination, take a medical history, and order diagnostic tests, such as imaging tests (e.g., X-rays, CT scans, MRI), an electrocardiogram (ECG), and blood tests.
Treatment Options for Chest Pain on the Right Side
The treatment for chest pain on the right side will depend on the underlying cause. Dr. Jasdeep Sidana suggests that some treatment options include rest and pain management, physical therapy, medications, or surgery, depending on the diagnosis.
Prevention of Chest Pain on the Right Side
Dr. Jasdeep Sidana advises that several lifestyle changes can help prevent chest pain on the right side, including maintaining a healthy lifestyle, reducing stress and anxiety, wearing protective gear during sports and physical activities, and quitting smoking.
When to See a Doctor?
If you’re experiencing chest pain, seeing a doctor immediately is essential, especially if the pain is severe or comes with other symptoms such as shortness of breath, sweating, or lightheadedness. Dr. Jasdeep Sidana advises that your doctor will be able to determine the cause of your chest pain and provide the proper treatment.