In today’s busy life, chest pain is one of the most common issues many people are suffering from. Now, chest pain does not always mean something critical but if you are experiencing right side chest pain, then you need to take note of it. Usually, right-side chest pain indicates issues with the lungs. Therefore, you should get checked and receive the necessary treatment as soon as you experience chest pain.
So, let’s move on to unearth more details about chest pain reasons and what should be your course of action.
Causes of Right Side Chest Pain
There are numerous right-side chest pain causes:
1. Lung Problems
One of the main reasons for right side chest pain is lung problems like Pneumonia, Pulmonary Embolism, Pleurisy, etc. An infection of the lungs is caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, which is called pneumonia. Breathing, coughing, or contact with infectious organisms can also result in pneumonia, which is defined as inflammation of the lungs.
A blood clot that obstructs and prevents blood flow to your lung artery is known as Pulmonary Embolism. Most often, a blood clot begins in a leg’s deep vein and moves to the lung. Occasionally, the clot develops in veins in different areas of the body. But if the clot is in the right lung, then it can cause the pain.
Sharp pain in the right side of the chest is caused by pleurisy, which is an inflammation of the pleura. Usually, as you cough or breathe, the pain gets worse. Bacterial or viral infections, autoimmune disorders, and lung illnesses frequently cause pleurisy and chest pain. This can have potentially fatal outcomes if not treated on time.
2. Blunt Trauma
An acute blunt injury may cause you to suddenly develop chest pain in your right side. This may occur if you receive a direct impact on the chest during sports activities or gunfire. It may seriously impair the muscles beneath the chest and set off a panic attack.
Therefore, in such cases, look for clinical assistance soon after you suffer the injuries. Delaying here can leave serious damage to the internal organs like the lungs, which can further develop into critical health conditions and potential life risks.
3. Strained Muscle
A strained muscle is another important cause of chest pain on the right side. It usually occurs one or two days after engaging in any activity that puts greater strain on the chest muscles. Therefore, strong force applied to the chest area might temporarily destroy muscle fibres and create chest pain in the coming days. Usually, it is not fatal and can resolve itself in a few days.
4. Heartburn or Indigestion
Another cause of chest pain on the right side is heartburn or indigestion. When you experience sudden acid reflux, your oesophagus overflows with concentrated digestive acids, which burns your throat but it can also lead to this pain. However, if you are suffering from this condition frequently, then it is important to get a clinical consultation from your doctor and get the right medicines.
5. Stress and Anxiety
Anxiety and excessive stress are two factors that can trigger a panic attack. These situations can also generate symptoms that are strikingly similar to those of a heart attack such as abrupt chest pain. During a panic attack, the pain is typically felt more in the middle of the chest but it frequently spreads to the right side of the body.
Sweating and shallow breathing might all appear as symptoms in addition to chest pain. A panic attack, as opposed to a heart attack, is more likely following an extremely stressful event, and the chest pain usually goes away in a matter of a few minutes or an hour.
6. Cholecystitis
Sometimes, cholecystitis is the reason for the right side of the chest pain. It is typically caused by gallstones obstructing the tube that exits the gallbladder. After meals, your gallbladder pumps bile to your small intestine to aid in the breakdown of lipids. Your gallbladder may become inflamed, painful, or swollen due to an infection or blockage in the bile ducts that attach to it. The symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, and more.
7. Shingles
A painful rash is the result of a viral infection called shingles. On either the left or right side of your chest, it usually appears as a single blistery stripe. It can also cause pain in the right side of your chest. By taking the medicine, you can get relief from this pain. But before taking any medicine, you need to consult with a healthcare provider who can guide you on a proper way to relieve this pain.
| Did You Know? If you have a cardiac chest pain, then it will not change as your breath in or out. The muscular pain, on the other hand, will become sharp and shooting. |
When Should You Call a Doctor?
Right side chest pain frequently goes away on its own but if it is excruciating, frequent, or lasts more than a few days, then medical evaluation is necessary to accurately determine the root cause. Visiting a hospital is advised if:
- The pain is severe or worsens with time.
- Signs include fever, breathing issues, or fainting
Furthermore, patients who are elderly or have long-term health issues, such as heart or respiratory disease, should see a physician, as pain may be a sign that the condition has worsened and may require a change in therapy.
| # Expert Tips A nutritious diet, controlling diabetes and cholesterol, and engaging in any kind of physical activity for at least 20 to 30 minutes every day can help manage the symptoms of chest discomfort. |
Conclusion
So, we have discussed the causes, symptoms, and treatment of right side chest pain. Hopefully, now you have the necessary clarity and you can take precautions to avoid facing this pain or mitigate its chances. But make sure you are not hiding such problems if they persist and seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid facing serious consequences.
