When any type of chest pain occurs, it is synonymous with alarm and we immediately think of a heart attack or heart attack. Although many people debate that heart attacks do not give pain and others that it is indistinct and can occur in both lugers of the chest, a strong and stabbing discomfort is a sign that something is not right.
If you have ever been through this or it regularly happens to you, today at we bring you the possible causes and complications that will answer your question of why I have pain in my right chest.
Why my right side of my chest hurts
Beyond the nerves that cause discomfort in the thoracic area, pain located on the right side of our body is rarely related to any cardiovascular problem. The most common cause of this type of discomfort is due to infections or inflammations at the lung level, or diseases related to the pancreas or gallbladder. Similarly, pains can occur from causes such as fever or flu.
Remember that our right side contains mostly very important organs such as the liver and pancreas, therefore any abnormality or inflammation of these organs can cause pain in the back, abdomen and chest. Although heart conditions do not regularly affect the right area of the chest, it is important to see a doctor if the pain is stabbing and constant.
Causes of right chest pain
The main causes of pain on the right side of the chest are:
- Muscle pain: Mostly, people do everything with our strong hand, which is usually the right, therefore muscle strains and joint pain are more likely to occur in the right chest. Possibly, by some very sudden movement or by lifting very heavy objects.
- Inflammation of the liver: it can be caused by some virus, bacteria or problem at the metabolic level of the body and affect the liver. Normally the pain should appear on the right side of the abdomen, however it can refer to the chest and cause quite unpleasant discomfort. Remember that obese people are more likely to suffer liver problems thanks to fatty liver.
- Inflammation of the gallbladder: When there is any blockage or inflammation of the gallbladder, a sharp pain in the abdomen begins that can be passed to the chest if there are gallstones or a severe infection.
- Pancreas or pancreatitis: the main function of the pancreas is to expel enzymes to achieve the digestive process. When there is an accumulation of these, this organ begins to become inflamed and, therefore, to stop working properly. Normally, this condition begins under the ribs in the right area and radiates to the back and chest. It is known to be a stabbing pain and to present with other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and lack of appetite.
- Lung infections: Commonly, right chest pain is due to lung problems such as asthma and pneumonia and occurs when coughing or breathing deeply. All these conditions that cause the creation of phlegm in our lungs or influence its functioning, make this an organ very easy to infect. This is why people with asthma, pneumonia and bronchitis can have pain and discomfort on the right side of the chest.
- Inflammation of the breastbone: also known as coscochondritis, it can affect both the right and left side of the chest and although it is commonly confused by a heart attack due to the acute pain it generates, it does not represent a serious problem and in most cases disappears on its own. Only rest and apply cold or heat compresses are recommended to relieve discomfort.
- Problems at the digestive level: on many occasions stomach problems such as heartburn, gastric reflux and gastritis can be the cause of very strong pain, both in the abdomen and in the chest. In the same way, not eating for long periods of time promotes the accumulation of gases, making you feel extremely full and swollen.
When to go to the emergency room
Many of the causes of pain on the right side of our chest can be cured at home with natural remedies or therapies for pain, however it is very important to go to the emergency room if the pain is accompanied by symptoms such as:
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing.
- Seasickness.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Fever.
- Sharp increase in blood pressure.
- Cold sweating.
- Chills.
- Yellow or green phlegm.
- Sharp pain that spreads to the left arm, jaw, and back.
If you liked this article about why I have pain in my right chest, you may also be interested in this one about Why my chest hurts when exercising.
