Right-sided chest pain can stem from various sources, ranging from minor issues resolving on their own to more serious conditions requiring medical attention. Understanding the potential causes is crucial for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Common Causes of Right-Sided Chest Pain
Several factors can contribute to pain on the right side of your chest. These include:
- Musculoskeletal Problems: Muscle strain or injury to the chest wall muscles can cause localized pain. This often subsides within a few days without intervention.
- Respiratory Issues: Conditions like pneumonia, pleurisy (inflammation of the lining of the lungs), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can cause right-sided chest pain, often accompanied by other respiratory symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath. A pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung) is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition that also presents with chest pain.
- Digestive Problems: Acid reflux (GERD) or gallbladder issues can cause pain that radiates to the chest, sometimes mimicking heart-related pain.
- Costochondritis: Inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone can cause sharp, localized pain.
- Stress and Anxiety: Psychological factors can manifest as chest pain, often described as tightness or pressure.
Less Common Causes
While less frequent, certain other conditions can also cause right-sided chest pain:
- Heart Conditions: Although chest pain is more commonly associated with the left side of the chest, conditions affecting the right side of the heart (such as problems with the right atrium or ventricle) can cause pain. A heart attack can also manifest with right-sided pain in rare cases.
- Pericarditis: Inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart (pericardium) can cause sharp, stabbing chest pain, although this is most often felt behind the breastbone or on the left side.
- Injuries: Blunt trauma to the chest can cause pain and damage to underlying structures.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While some causes of right-sided chest pain are benign, others warrant immediate medical evaluation. Seek immediate medical attention if your chest pain is severe, sudden, accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, or sweating, or if it doesn't improve after a few days.
This information is for general knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.
