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In most cases, pain on the right side of the chest is a temporary symptom that arises mainly due to minor conditions, such as excessive stress, muscle stretching or gastroesophageal reflux, for example.
However, chest pain, whether on the right or left side, can have several causes, including problems with the digestive system, lungs and even the heart, which need to be identified and treated.
When the pain comes frequently, it is very intense, it worsens over time or it is accompanied by other more serious symptoms such as tingling that radiates to the arm or face, difficulty breathing or fainting, it is very important to go to the hospital or call for medical help , as it may be a sign of a life-threatening problem.
The most common causes of pain on the right side of the chest include:
1. Stress and anxiety
Excessive stress and anxiety are two conditions that can result in a panic attack and cause symptoms very similar to a heart attack, including the sudden onset of chest pain. This pain is more common in the middle of the chest, but it can often end up radiating to the right side.
Along with chest pain, other symptoms such as rapid breathing, shortness of breath, tingling in the hands or feet and sweating, for example, are common. Unlike a heart attack, a panic attack is more common after a very stressful situation and the chest pain tends to improve in a few minutes.
What to do: The best way to relieve the discomfort caused by a panic attack is to try to calm down, to allow your breathing to become regular and your muscles to be less tense. A good option may be to retire to a quiet place and drink a calming tea, such as valerian or chamomile, for example. See other natural calming options. Still, if the pain is very severe or there is a suspicion that it may be a heart attack, it is important to go to the hospital or call for medical help.
2. Muscle stretch
Muscle stretching is another one of the most common causes of pain in the chest area and it happens 1 to 2 days after some type of activity that uses the muscles of the chest area with greater intensity. This increase in intensity on the muscles of the region can be intentional, like training in the gym, but it can also be involuntary, like painting the ceiling or having to cut something hard, for example.
In addition, strong blows from the pectoral region can also cause damage to muscle fibers, which may not cause pain in the immediate moments, but become sore after a few days. In these cases, other common symptoms are increased pain when touching the muscle, slight swelling and difficulty in moving the arms.
What to do: usually the pain can be relieved with the application of ice on the region for 15 to 20 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day, and a light massage on the spot, which can be done with an anti-inflammatory ointment, for example. If the pain does not improve in 3 days, it is advisable to consult a general practitioner or physiotherapist, as more specific treatments may be necessary.
3. Gastroesophageal reflux
Reflux is a common condition that affects many people and happens when stomach acid can rise to the esophagus causing a feeling of heartburn and burning, especially after eating. This discomfort can also often be felt in the form of pain that radiates to the chest and can affect the right side.
Gastroesophageal reflux is also usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as a desire to belch more frequently, a sour taste in the mouth, a feeling of a ball in the throat and a dry cough, for example. See other signs and symptoms that help identify reflux.
What to do: Depending on the severity, reflux symptoms can be relieved with simple dietary changes, such as avoiding eating too much at once and avoiding too much fatty and spicy food. However, in other cases it may also be necessary to use drugs to block stomach acid. Thus, if the discomfort does not improve with changes in the diet, it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist to start the most appropriate treatment.
4. Costochondritis
Costochondritis is a less common problem, but it can cause severe pain in the chest area, usually located in the middle of the chest, but which can end up radiating to the right or left side.
This condition occurs when the cartilages that connect the sternum bone to the ribs become inflamed after strong pressure on the chest, periods of very intense cough or due to poor posture, for example. Costochondritis causes tenderness in the middle of the chest and pain that worsens when taking a deep breath or coughing, for example. Learn more about what causes costochondritis and how to identify symptoms.
What to do: Costochondritis is a temporary problem that tends to improve after a few days, without needing specific treatment. Still, doing gentle stretching exercises and applying ice to the area for 15 to 20 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day, can decrease inflammation and relieve discomfort, in addition to the use of anti-inflammatory medications.
5. Inflammation of the gallbladder or liver
The gallbladder and liver are two organs of the abdominal cavity that are located in the right region of the body and, therefore, when they become inflamed or undergo some type of alteration they can cause more localized pain on that side. Although it is more common that the pain is in the abdominal region, in some cases, it can end up radiating to the chest.
Other common symptoms that can also appear with pain when there is a problem with the gallbladder or liver include feeling sick, vomiting, loss of appetite, general feeling of being unwell and yellowed skin, for example. Check out some symptoms that may indicate inflammation of the gallbladder and others that may be a sign of liver problems.
What to do: Whenever inflammation of the gallbladder or liver problem is suspected, it is very important to consult a gastroenterologist to confirm the diagnosis and initiate appropriate treatment. Inflammation of the gallbladder can usually be a more serious condition, especially if the gallbladder is blocked by a stone. In such cases, the pain is very severe, fever can arise and intense vomiting is also common, and you should go to the hospital immediately.
6. Lung problems
Various lung problems can cause pain in the chest area, especially when breathing. In addition to pain, there may also be difficulty in breathing, coughing, rapid breathing and fever.
Lung problems are more common after accidents or people who have some form of chronic heart or lung disease. Learn about the problems that can cause lung pain and what to do.
What to do: chest pain of pulmonary origin can be a sign of serious problems such as pleurisy, pneumonia, pneumothorax or even pulmonary embolism. So, if a lung problem is suspected, it is very important to go to the hospital to do tests, such as chest X-rays, identify the cause and start the most appropriate treatment, which can vary a lot depending on the cause.
7. Heart problems
When chest pain arises, one of the main concerns is that it may indicate a heart problem, however, these cases are not common. Still, heart problems, especially inflammation of the heart muscle, can actually be a cause of chest pain, including pain that radiates to the right side.
Typically, heart problems are more common in the elderly, people with other chronic problems, or patients who are hospitalized with serious infections, for example. Cardiac type pain is usually quite intense and causes the feeling that something is squeezing the heart. In addition, other symptoms may also appear, such as palpitations, coughing, difficulty breathing and fainting, for example. Check out 12 signs that may indicate heart problems.
What to do: If there is a suspicion that the pain may be caused by a heart problem, it is very important to go quickly to the hospital or call for medical help, to identify the cause and start treatment.
When to go to the doctor
Often, the chest pain goes away after a few minutes and is therefore not a cause for concern. However, consulting the doctor is the only way to identify the correct cause. Therefore, it is advisable to go to the hospital when:
- The pain is very intense or worsens over time;
- The pain takes more than 15 minutes to improve;
- Other serious symptoms appear, such as difficulty in breathing, high fever or fainting.
In addition, the elderly and people with chronic problems, especially of the respiratory or cardiac system, should be evaluated by a doctor, as the pain may indicate a worsening of the condition, and it may be necessary to adapt the treatment.