Right-side chest pain when breathing is a frequent symptom and comprises a broad differential diagnosis. Some reasons, such as muscular strain, resolve without therapy after a few days. However, chest discomfort can also indicate a more serious ailment, such as a heart or lung problem. Anyone concerned about new or worsening chest discomfort should seek medical help.
Causes of Right-Side Chest Pain While Breathing
Right-side chest pain when breathing can be caused by a variety of diseases and traumas, so here are some possible causes:
Anxiety/stress
Severe stress might result in panic attacks. May also have symptoms similar to those of a heart attack, such as; chest discomfort, trouble breathing, fast heartbeat or palpitations, and perspiration.
A panic attack normally lasts 5 to 10 minutes.
Muscle Strain
Chest wall muscles can be strained or sprained during exercise. According to research, musculoskeletal disorders, such as muscular strain, account for 28% of chest discomfort visits to the emergency room.
Trauma
A traumatic injury, such as a fall or a hit to the chest, can cause damage to the chest’s structures. A person may have bruising or swelling.
Costochondritis and other inflammatory diseases
It is inflammation of the cartilage that joins the ribs to the breastbone. Furthermore, Pain is exacerbated when sleeping, taking deep breaths, and having pressure on the chest.
Pneumothorax
Occurs when air escapes the lung and enters the space between the lung and the chest wall which makes it difficult for the lungs to expand when breathing.
There are numerous probable reasons, including: smoking conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and cystic fibrosis.
Pleurisy
Pleurisy is an inflammation of the membranes around the lungs. The inflammation generates friction between the two layers of tissue.
pleural effusions
Pleural effusion occurs when fluid accumulates between the layers of tissue that surround the lungs which may induce chest discomfort and shortness of breath.
Risk factors include pneumonia, TB, RA and lupus, hemothorax, and asbestos exposure.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a lung illness caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Symptoms include Fever, coughing, and fast heartbeat.
Shingles
A person may develop shingles if they have previously had chickenpox.
Shingles is an inflammatory condition that affects the nerves and the surrounding tissue. Shingles can affect the nerves of the chest causing discomfort. Only one side of the body is often affected by shingles.
Fever, localized discomfort, and sensitivity are among the first symptoms.
Acid reflux or heartburn
Heartburn is the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus. The right side of the chest may experience general chest pain.
When to See a Doctor for Right-Side Chest Pain
Whenever chest discomfort strikes without warning, it is essential to see a doctor, particularly if anti-inflammatory drugs don’t help.
However, emergency medical assistance should be sought if a person has:
- Sweating, nausea, vomiting, tightness or heaviness in the chest, breathing difficulties or changes in breathing rate, blue lips or nail beds, or discomfort that radiates to the arms, back, neck, or jaw.
- severe discomfort that last for more than fifteen minutes and confusion
Home Remedies and Treatments for Breathing-Related Chest Pain
The goal of pain management should be to address the underlying cause.
In most situations, rest, heat or cold, and over-the-counter painkillers are adequate for symptomatic relief.
Antibiotics and inpatient treatment may be necessary for patients with chest infections.
Moreover, Hospitalization, testing, intense care, and the necessary treatment, including surgery, may be necessary if serious lung issues, heart diseases, cancers, or severe injuries are detected.
Read Also: Pain in the Back of the Head and Neck
Reference
17 causes of pain in the right side of the chest. (n.d.). Retrieved from www.medicalnewstoday.com website: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321146
Johnson, K., & Ghassemzadeh, S. (2022). Chest pain. Retrieved from PubMed website: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470557/
Moore, J. (2012). Chest Pain. Springer EBooks, 2153–2157. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-02202-9_227
NHS Choices. (2020, August 14). Chest pain. Retrieved from NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chest-pain/
