Right-sided chest pain has a wide variety of potential origins. While the pain can be unsettling, it commonly arises from issues in the chest wall, digestive tract, or lungs. Understanding the distinct characteristics of the pain can help determine the source. The chest cavity and the organs directly beneath the right side of the diaphragm are responsible for most of this localized discomfort.
Musculoskeletal and Structural Causes
Pain originating from the chest wall, ribs, or surrounding muscles is a frequent cause of right-sided chest discomfort. This type of pain often relates to movement, posture, or localized pressure.
A very common culprit is costochondritis, which involves inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone. The resulting pain is typically sharp or aching and can often be reproduced by pressing on the affected area along the ribcage.
Muscle strain, particularly in the pectoral muscles or the smaller intercostal muscles between the ribs, can also cause noticeable pain. This strain might occur from intense physical activity, heavy lifting, or persistent, forceful coughing.
Pain from a muscle strain or rib injury (such as bruising or a stress fracture) is usually sharp and localized to a specific spot. The discomfort worsens significantly when the individual moves, stretches, or takes a deep breath.
Digestive System and Abdominal Organ Causes
A significant portion of right-sided chest pain is referred from organs located in the upper right abdomen. The location of the liver and the gallbladder directly below the right lower ribs makes them primary sources of referred pain in the right chest region.
Gallbladder inflammation, known as cholecystitis, or the presence of gallstones often presents as severe pain that begins in the upper right abdomen and radiates up to the right shoulder or chest. This pain is typically triggered or exacerbated after consuming fatty foods, as the gallbladder contracts to release bile.
Conditions affecting the liver, such as hepatitis or an abscess, can also cause a dull or sharp ache felt in the right upper quadrant and the lower right chest area. Other symptoms, like jaundice, fatigue, or dark urine, may accompany liver-related chest discomfort.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), or chronic heartburn, is another common digestive cause. Stomach acid backing up into the esophagus causes a burning sensation that can be felt anywhere in the chest, including the right side. Peptic ulcers, sores in the lining of the stomach or small intestine, can also produce a gnawing or burning discomfort that may radiate to the chest, often intensifying when the stomach is empty.
Pulmonary and Breathing-Related Causes
Pain related to the lungs or the surrounding structures often becomes more pronounced during the act of breathing. The lining surrounding the lungs and the inner chest wall, called the pleura, is highly sensitive to inflammation.
Pleurisy, which is inflammation of this lining, causes a sharp, stabbing pain that distinctly worsens with deep inhalation, coughing, or sneezing.
Infections like pneumonia can cause right-sided chest pain if the infection is localized to the right lung. The chest pain from pneumonia is usually accompanied by systemic symptoms, such as a persistent cough, fever, chills, and shortness of breath.
A more severe cause is a pneumothorax, or collapsed lung, where air leaks into the space between the lung and the chest wall. This results in the sudden onset of sharp chest pain on the affected side, accompanied by significant difficulty breathing and chest tightness.
Recognizing Urgent Symptoms and When to Get Help
Certain accompanying symptoms signal a medical emergency. It is important to seek immediate medical attention if the pain is sudden, severe, or described as crushing or squeezing.
Any chest pain accompanied by severe shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or a rapid, irregular heart rate requires emergency evaluation.
Additional urgent symptoms include lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, or breaking out into a cold sweat. Pain that radiates to the arm, jaw, neck, or back should also prompt an immediate call to emergency services, regardless of the pain’s origin.