A pain experienced in any part of the chest makes us all worried about the health of our hearts. As the human heart is inclined towards the left side of the body, only the pain experienced in the left side of the chest could be related to a heart attack.
Causes Of Right-Sided Chest Pain Can Be Many
Contents
Pain in the right side of the body can be due to several reasons, typically not a result of a heart attack. The pain may be due to the inflammation or injury in the organs in the chest area due to infection, stress, or strain. So is that dangerous? Can we safely ignore it? This article can help you understand right-sided chest pain.
Understanding the anatomy gives us an idea of which of the organs can cause pain in the right side of the chest. It includes the right lung, esophagus, lymph nodes, a portion of the right side of the heart, the diaphragm, and the blood vessels of the heart and lungs. An issue concerning these organs can cause pain in the right side of the lungs. As ribs also lie in this region, any disorder regarding the spine may be felt in the right side as well.
The pain also does not necessarily mean any issue related to the organs in that area. It could be due to referred pain. With this, the problem occurs in a completely different part of the body putting pressure on the nerves that end up sending pain signals to the chest. For example, issues concerning the liver or pancreas may induce pain in the right side of the chest.
Symptoms
Pain may be due to an isolated incident or something more severe. The pain may be isolated to an area in the right chest or maybe felt throughout. The pain also may come and go or may be persistent. Apart from the pain, other symptoms include:
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent cough
- Hoarseness
- Loss of consciousness
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Burning sensation
- Skipped heartbeats
- Lightheadedness
- Burping
Causes
1. Muscle strain
Overtraining is the main reason for muscle strain. Intense activity in the upper body can induce muscle soreness and cause pain in either side of the chest. In addition, overexertion of the chest muscles while performing intense works like chopping wood can cause pulling of the rib muscles, which can be extremely painful. You may experience pain in the chest even when breathing. Resting is the best medicine for this kind of chest pain. Taking pain relievers can also help.
2. Indigestion or heartburns
A burning sensation in the chest felt after having a heavy meal is the common cause of indigestion. Acid reflux in the stomach causes a burning sensation in the heart. It can cause a burning sensation in the throat also. It will also feel like the food is stuck halfway down your chest and may also cause difficulty in swallowing.
3. Anxiety or panic attack
You have to experience this to know how severe this issue can be. You may feel like blacking out. Contacting an emergency medical service is the first thing to do if you experience a panic attack. Box breathing and cognitive behavior therapy are the emergency steps to follow when you face a panic attack.
4. Trauma
An injury in the pectoral muscles due to a fall, a sharp blow, or a vehicle accident can damage the blood vessels and nerves within the chest. It can sometimes damage the lungs, heart, and other organs around that area. The trauma may also cause the breakage of the lungs. It could be very severe and cause severe problems if not treated. Severe pain while coughing and touching indicates the pain due to trauma
5. Gallbladder or liver problem
Problems with these organs can cause digestive issues, in turn causing heartburn. Cholecystitis or gallbladder inflammation occurs when there is excess bile build-up inside the gallbladder. This condition may also cause severe upper abdominal pain.
6. Pancreatitis
Inflammation in the pancreas is caused when the digestive enzymes start working while they are in the pancreas. This can cause pain in the pancreas and upper abdomen which can eventually radiate to the back adding discomfort to the chest. The pain may worsen after eating.
7. Shingles
it is a reactivation of the chickenpox virus. It can happen in any part of the body. If there is a flare-up at the right side of the chest, it is going to have a prickly burning sensation to that area all the way expanding to the ribs. Even though not serious it can mimic a heart attack.
8. Pleurisy
An infection of the outer lining of the lungs. It is going to hurt when you cough or breath
9. Pneumonia
Having pneumonia in the right lung can cause pain in the right side of the chest.
10. Pneumothora
It is a condition when the lung collapses. When it occurs in the right lung severe chest pain may occur in the right side. Commonly seen in young men who smoke
11. Pericarditis
Mild carditis or an infection in the lining of the muscle of the heart. This can cause discomfort in the right, middle, or left side of the chest.
12. Pulmonary embolism
Depending on which lung it happens in and its intensity, you can have severe pain even on either side of the chest.
13. Costochondritis
Costochondritis is the Inflammation of the cartilages in the ribs. It can result in severe chest pain. It usually comes after an upper respiratory infection or after an intense job or workout
Conclusion
In most cases, the right-sided chest pain would be due to intense activity or indigestion, which would not be a serious issue. But if the chest pain is accompanied by severe symptoms and the pain persists for more than a week, consult a doctor to seek medical advice.
Lacey Arlo is a wellness expert and a nutritionist who aims to help members with health and diet queries. Lacey Arlo has worked with junior, national, and Olympic-level athletes by providing them with customizing programmers, supplement strategies, and support during their travel and competition. From weight management, PCOD, thyroid-related weight loss, and nutrition for children to diets for pregnant and diets for senior citizens, She offers nutrition-aided solutions for different age groups with consideration for each person’s unique health demands.