In most cases, pain on the right side of the chest is a temporary symptom that occurs 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, that need to be identified and treated.
- When the pain is frequent.
- It is very severe.
- Gets worse over time or is accompanied by other more serious symptoms such as tingling that radiates to the arm or face.
- Shortness of breath or fainting.
- It is very important to go to the hospital.
- Or call a doctor.
- As this may be a sign of a potentially fatal problem.
The most common causes of pain on the right side of the chest include:
Excessive stress and anxiety are two conditions that can cause a panic attack and cause symptoms very similar to those of a heart attack, including the onset of sudden chest pain. This pain is most common in the middle of the chest, but can often end up radiating to the right side.
In addition to chest pain, other symptoms such as fast breathing, shortness of breath, tingling in the hands or feet, and sweating, such as are common. Unlike a heart attack, a panic attack is more common after a very stressful situation and chest pain tends to improve in a matter of minutes.
What to do: The best way to relieve discomfort caused by a panic attack is to try to calm down, to allow your breathing to become regular and your muscles less tense. A good option may be to retire to a quiet place and have a relaxing tea, such as valerian or chamomile, for example. See other natural soothing options. However, if the pain is very severe or if a heart attack is suspected, it is important to go to the hospital or call a doctor.
Muscle stretching is another of the most common causes of chest pain and occurs 1 to 2 days after a certain type of activity that uses the muscles of the pectoral region with greater intensity. This increase in intensity in the muscles in the area can be intentional, such as gym training, but it can also be involuntary, such as painting the ceiling or having to cut something hard, for example.
In addition, heavy blows from the pectoral region can also damage muscle fibers, which may not cause pain at the immediate times, but can become painful after a few days. In these cases, other common symptoms include increased pain in contact with the muscle, mild swelling and difficulty moving the arms.
What to do: The pain can usually be relieved with the application of ice in the area for 15 to 20 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day, and a light massage on site, which can be performed with an anti-inflammatory ointment. For example. If the pain does not improve in 3 days, it is advisable to consult a family doctor or physical therapist, as more specific treatments may be needed.
Reflux is a common condition that affects many people and occurs when stomach acid can rise to the esophagus, causing a burning and burning sensation, especially after eating. This discomfort can often also be felt in the form of pain that eventually radiates to the chest and can affect the right side.
Gastroesophageal reflux is also often accompanied by other symptoms, such as craving more frequently, bitter taste in the mouth, a knot sensation 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 overeating at once and avoiding overly fatty and spicy foods. However, in other cases, medications may also be needed to block stomach acid. For example, if discomfort doesn’t improve with dietary changes, it’s recommended that you consult a gastroenterologist to start the most appropriate treatment.
A costocondrite é um problema menos comum mas que pode causar um dor intensa na região do peito, normalmente localizada no meio do peito, mas que pode acabar irradiando para o lado direito ou esquerdo.
This condition occurs when the cartilage that connects the sternum bone to the ribs becomes inflamed after high chest pressure, periods of very intense coughing, or due to poor posture, for example. The cost-condom causes tenderness in the middle of the chest and pain that worsens when breathing deeply or coughing, for example. Learn more about the causes of costcountrit and how to identify symptoms.
What to do: Costcountting is a temporary problem that tends to improve within a few days, without the need for specific treatment. However, gentle stretching exercises and ice in the area for 15 to 20 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day, can reduce inflammation and relieve discomfort, in addition to using anti-inflammatory medications.
The gallbladder and liver are two organs of the abdominal cavity located in the right region of the body and therefore, when they become inflamed or undergo some type of disturbance, they can cause more localized pain on this side. Although it is more common for pain to be found in the abdominal area, in some cases it may eventually radiate to the chest.
Other common symptoms that can also occur with pain when there is a problem with the gallbladder or liver include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, general feeling of discomfort and yellowing, for example. Discover some symptoms that may indicate inflammation of the gallbladder and others that may be a sign of liver problems.
What to do: Whenever gallbladder inflammation 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 calculus. In such cases, the pain is very severe, fever may appear and severe vomiting is also common, so you should go to the hospital immediately.
Several lung problems can cause chest pain, especially when breathing. In addition to pain, there may also be shortness of breath, coughing, rapid breathing and fever.
Lung problems are more common after accidents or people with some form of chronic heart or lung disease. Learn about problems that can cause lung pain and what to do.
What to do: Lung-causing chest pain can be a sign of serious problems such as pleurisy, pneumonia, pneumothorax or even pulmonary embolism. Thus, in case of suspected lung problem, it is very important to go to the hospital for tests, such as chest x-rays, identify the cause and start the most appropriate treatment, which can vary greatly depending on the cause.
When chest pains occur, one of the main concerns is that they may indicate a heart problem, but these cases are not common. However, heart problems, especially inflammation of the heart muscle, can actually be a cause of chest pain, including pain radiating to the right side.
Heart problems are generally more common in the elderly, people with other chronic problems, or patients hospitalized for serious infections, for example. Heart-type pain is usually quite severe and causes the feeling that something is tightening your heart. Other symptoms, such as palpitations, coughing, shortness of breath, and fainting, such as, may also occur. Check for all 12 signs that may indicate heart problems.
What to do: If you suspect that the pain can be caused by a heart problem, it is very important to get to the hospital quickly or call a doctor to identify the cause and start treatment.
Often, the chest pain goes away after a few minutes and is therefore no cause for concern. However, consulting your doctor is the only way to identify the right cause. For example, it is advisable to go to the hospital when:
In addition, the elderly and people with chronic problems, especially the respiratory or cardiac system, should be evaluated by a doctor, as the pain may indicate a worsening of the disease and treatment may need to be adapted.