While chest pain on the left side is often associated with heart attacks, chest pain on the right side can also be a cause for concern, particularly among older adults.
What Causes Right-Sided Chest Pain?
There are many potential causes of right-sided chest pain, and it’s important to seek medical attention if you experience this symptom. Some possible causes include:
- Costochondritis: This is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone, and it can cause pain on the right side of the chest.
- Gallbladder disease: Pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen can sometimes be felt in the chest as well, particularly if it’s caused by gallbladder disease.
- Pneumonia: Some types of pneumonia can cause pain in the right side of the chest.
- Pulmonary embolism: This is a blockage in a lung artery, and pain may be felt on the right side of the chest.
- Heart attack: While heart attacks are commonly associated with left-sided chest pain, they can also cause pain on the right side.
- Lung cancer: If a tumor is located on the right side of the lung, it can cause pain in the right side of the chest.
- Trauma: Injuries to the chest, including broken rib or bruised lung, can cause pain on the right side.
- Thoracic outlet syndrome: This occurs when the thoracic outlet, the area between the collarbone and first rib, becomes compressed. It can cause pain on the right side of the chest and shoulder.
What Are the Symptoms of Right-Sided Chest Pain?
In addition to pain on the right side of the chest, other symptoms of right-sided chest pain can include:
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
- Fever
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Weakness
How Is Right-Sided Chest Pain Diagnosed?
To diagnose the cause of right-sided chest pain, a doctor will typically perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms and medical history. They may also order diagnostic tests, such as:
- Chest X-ray
- Computed tomography (CT) scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Blood tests
- Pulmonary function tests
- Lung biopsy
How Is Right-Sided Chest Pain Treated?
The treatment for right-sided chest pain will depend on the underlying cause. Some possible treatment options include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications for costochondritis
- Gallbladder removal surgery for gallbladder disease
- Antibiotics for pneumonia
- Anticoagulant medication or surgery for pulmonary embolism
- Medications or procedures to open blocked arteries in the heart
- Surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy for lung cancer
- Pain medications and rest for chest trauma
- Physical therapy or surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome
When Should You See a Doctor About Right-Sided Chest Pain?
If you experience any type of chest pain, including pain on the right side, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. In addition to chest pain, seek medical help if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Pain that radiates to the arm, neck, or jaw
- Unexplained sweating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
FAQs
Q. Can indigestion cause right-sided chest pain?
A. Yes, indigestion can cause pain on the right side of the chest. This pain may be accompanied by bloating, heartburn, or nausea.
Q. Is right-sided chest pain always serious?
A. No, not all right-sided chest pain is serious. However, it’s important to seek medical attention to determine the cause of the pain and ensure proper treatment.
Q. Can anxiety cause right-sided chest pain?
A. Yes, anxiety can cause chest pain on either side of the chest, including the right side.
Q. What should I do if I experience right-sided chest pain?
A. Seek medical attention right away to determine the cause of the pain and receive appropriate treatment.
Q. Can coughing cause right-sided chest pain?
A. Yes, coughing can cause chest pain on either side of the chest, including the right side.
Q. How is pulmonary embolism treated?
A. Treatment for pulmonary embolism may include anticoagulant medication or surgery to remove the blockage.
Q. What is thoracic outlet syndrome?
A. Thoracic outlet syndrome is a condition characterized by compression of the nerves or blood vessels in the thoracic outlet, which can cause pain, weakness, or numbness in the arms or hands.
Q. Can right-sided chest pain be a symptom of cancer?
A. Yes, lung cancer or other types of cancer located in or near the chest can cause right-sided chest pain.
Q. Is there anything I can do to prevent right-sided chest pain?
A. Prevention measures will depend on the underlying cause of the pain. Some preventative measures may include maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and avoiding risky behaviors (such as smoking).
Q. Is right-sided chest pain more common in older adults?
A. Right-sided chest pain can occur in people of all ages, but it may be more common in older adults due to increased risk factors for conditions such as heart disease or cancer.
Conclusion
While chest pain on the right side is less common than left-sided chest pain, it can still be a cause for concern, particularly in older adults. It’s important to seek medical attention right away if you experience chest pain or any other symptoms that could indicate a serious condition.
