How to treat pain in the right side of the chest?

pain in the right side of the chest
Medically reviewed by Dr. Asim Cheema

Overview

Pain in the right side of the chest is typically not related to the heart. Various underlying health conditions, such as lung infections, cancer, pulmonary embolism, collapsed lung, anxiety, injury, or muscle strains, can cause it. Treatment for right-sided chest pain depends on the cause and can vary among individuals, but primary treatment involves prescription medication. Therapeutic interventions, surgical treatments, and, in some cases, home remedies can also help provide relief.

Since the causes vary so much, a proper diagnosis is essential for determining the right course of treatment. Keep reading to learn more about what could be causing pain in the right side of the chest and its available treatment. 

What are the causes of pain in the right side of the chest?

Pain in the right side of the chest can occur due to many different conditions. Some potential causes include.

  1. Pulmonary embolism 
  2. Pneumonia
  3. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  4. Pleurisy or pleuritis
  5. Pleural effusion
  6. Collapsed lung (pneumothorax)
  7. Costochondritis 
  8. Inflammatory conditions
  9. Pulmonary hypertension
  10. Asthma
  11. Lung cancer
  12. Shingles 
  13. Gallstones
  14. Anxiety or stress
  15. Strained chest muscles
  16. Broken or fractured rib
  17. Other causes (COVID-19, liver and pancreatic problems, heartburn, acid reflux, heart diseases)
Chest pain can be alarming and frustrating to deal with. Get expert diagnosis and treatment within minutes.

How to treat pain in the right side of the chest?

Pulmonary embolism

A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot lodges in the pulmonary artery. If it happens in the right lung, it can cause pain in the right side of the chest. Additional symptoms include shortness of breath, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, coughing, with or without blood.

Pulmonary embolisms are treated depending on the symptoms and their severity. Blood thinners (anticoagulants) are typically used to diffuse the clot and prevent new clots from forming. Clot dissolvers may also be used, but they are reserved for severe cases due to the risks they carry.

Surgical treatment, such as clot removal surgery and vein filtering, is provided only if the patient can not use anticoagulant medication.

Pneumonia

Viral, bacterial, or fungal infections can infect the lungs, leading to pneumonia. An individual may experience right-sided chest pain, fever, chills, cough with mucus, and irregular heartbeat.

Infectious causes of pneumonia are treated with prescribed medication. Antibiotics such as azithromycin and clarithromycin are prescribed for bacterial infections. Antivirals like acyclovir are prescribed for viral infections, and antifungals such as flucytosine and itraconazole are prescribed for fungal infections. 

Pain relievers and fever-reducing medication can be obtained over the counter to help treat underlying symptoms. 

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

COPD is the chronic inflammation of the lungs that can obstruct airflow from the lungs. It can lead to pain in the right side of the chest and is commonly accompanied by other symptoms, such as breathing difficulties, cough with mucus, wheezing, and chest tightness. 

Bronchodilator inhalers such as fluticasone furoate/ vilanterol inhalers and Fluticasone/salmeterol inhalers are commonly prescribed to combat COPD. For severe inflammation, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids and steroid tablets. 

For mild flare-ups, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can be obtained over the counter. If your lung problems do not improve, therapeutic interventions such as pulmonary rehabilitation and muscle-strengthening exercises may be advised. 

Is the pain on the right side of your chest an infection or something else? Get professional advice within minutes

Pleurisy or pleuritis

Pleurisy or pleuritis is inflammation of the pleura (the membrane separating the lungs from the chest wall) that can lead to sharp chest pain when breathing. A person with pleurisy may also experience dizziness due to low oxygen levels and pain in the shoulder.

Pleurisy can improve independently in a few days, but if the pain persists, medical treatment may be required. Treatment depends on the underlying condition; for example, antibiotics are prescribed for bacterial infections. Painkillers (analgesics) such as ibuprofen can be taken to relieve chest pain. 

Pleural effusion

Pleural effusion is the build-up of fluid around the lungs. It typically indicates underlying health conditions and can cause chest pain, cough, fever, chills, hiccups, rapid breathing, and shortness of breath.

Various conditions can cause pleural effusion, so treatment is provided based on the underlying cause. For instance, antibiotics such as clindamycin are prescribed for bacterial infections, and diuretics like furosemide are prescribed to drain the build-up fluid. 

In the case of large, inflamed, and stubborn pleural effusions, invasive procedures like thoracentesis, tube thoracostomy, and pleural drain may be required. 

According to a study in 2022, 30-50% of patients with pleural effusion die even after being hospitalized. It is essential to seek medical attention if you experience shortness of breath and an increased heart rate. 

Collapsed lung (pneumothorax)

Air can escape from the lungs and enter the space between the lungs and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. Pneumothorax can cause sharp pain in the chest, neck, and shoulder, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and severe discomfort. Physical trauma or health conditions such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, and COPD are generally the cause. 

Treatment for a collapsed lung, or pneumothorax, involves relieving the pressure on the lungs to allow them to re-expand. To remove the excess air, a needle (needle aspiration) or chest tube is inserted into the air-filled space. 

If tubes fail to remove the air, non-surgical repairs may be necessary. These involve using irritants to irritate the tissue around the collapsed lung or using your blood to create a blood patch to seal any leaks. Surgery may be required if the condition does not improve.

Costochondritis 

Costochondritis is inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs and breastbone. Chest pain can worsen if pressure is applied to the chest, such as during physical activity, lying down, or breathing deeply.

Costochondritis is mainly treated with over-the-counter painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. If the chest pain and inflammation worsen, your healthcare provider may use a steroid injection to ease the pain. 

Inflammatory conditions

Various other inflammatory conditions that can cause right-sided chest pain include.

  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Spondyloarthritis (inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine)
  • Lupus
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (a chronic autoimmune disease)

Arthritis is managed with medications such as methotrexate, methylprednisolone, alendronate, and therapy. Inflammatory conditions and autoimmune disorders are unique to individuals and require a proper treatment plan by a specialist. If you suspect your chest pains are or may be caused by them, it’s important to discuss it with your healthcare provider.

Pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries (blood vessels that supply the lungs). The pain in the ride side of the chest is caused by stress on the heart due to reduced blood flow and increased oxygen demand in the body. Other symptoms include breathing problems, increased heart rate, cough, nausea, lightheadedness, and Swelling (oedema) in the abdomen, legs, and feet.

Pulmonary hypertension cannot be cured, but the condition can be managed with medication and therapy. Some treatment options for pulmonary hypertension include

  • Anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as clopidogrel to remove and prevent blood blots
  • Diuretics to drain build-up fluid
  • Treatment for heart problems such as digoxin and ACE inhibitors like ramipril, lisinopril, and enalapril to prevent heart failure
  • Oxygen therapy for maintaining normal oxygen levels in the body
Hypertension puts you at a greater risk of stroke or heart attack. Get antihypertensive treatment now!

Asthma

Allergies or irritants can cause breathing problems such as asthma. The narrowing of the airways causes cough, wheezing, tightness in the chest, chest pain, breathlessness, difficulty speaking, blue lips or fingers, and fainting in severe cases.

Asthma is a lifelong condition, but proper treatment can allow people to live healthy lives. Your doctor will prescribe combination inhalers such as fluticasone propionate, fluticasone-salmeterol, and fluticasone furoate-vilanterol inhalers.

Beta-agonists, anticholinergic agents, and leukotriene modifiers are also prescribed for treating asthma. If allergens trigger asthma, antihistamines and allergy shots are given to control the allergic reaction.

Lung cancer

Chest pain is a common symptom when the lungs are affected by cancer, whether from lung cancer or other cancer that has spread to the lungs. Symptoms of lung cancer include spitting or coughing blood, breathing difficulties, weakness, and unexpected weight loss.

According to WHO, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the world, with an estimated 1.8 million deaths in 2020, making up 18% of total deaths worldwide.

Lung cancer is treated with radiation therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. Treatment is provided for other side effects and complications that may arise during or after the procedures.

 Dr. Lynn Tanoue, MD, MBA, a Yale Medicine pulmonologist and co-founder of the YALE Lung SCAN, shares

“Quitting smoking is the most powerful intervention there is for decreasing lung cancer mortality,”

Shingles

Shingles (herpes zoster) is a viral infection that causes a painful rash with blisters that typically wrap around the torso. It can cause numbness, tingling, or burning sensation around the rash, fever, pain, and itchiness. If shingles affect the chest, it can cause chest pain as well.

Shingles are treated with prescription antiviral drugs such as acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir. For managing severe pain, anticonvulsants such as gabapentin, antidepressants, numbing agents, corticosteroids, and local anesthetics may be prescribed along with antiviral treatment

Gallstones

Gallstones are hardened bile deposits that can block ducts in the small intestine. It can cause pain in the upper right part and center of the abdomen, upper back, shoulders, and chest. 

Typically people with gallstones do not experience any symptoms and can make do without needing treatment. If you experience intense, unbearable pain, or recurring gallstones, your doctor may recommend surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy). 

Medications are available for dissolving gallstones, but they are not commonly prescribed due to their slow-acting nature. It may take months to years to dissolve gallstones this way, and is commonly reserved for those who can’t undergo surgery.

Anxiety or stress 

Severe stress or anxiety can cause anxiety attacks or panic attacks. These attacks are accompanied by symptoms of chest pain, breathing problems, sweating, panic, stress, and muscle strain. 

Psychotherapy and psychological counseling are commonly used to address anxiety and symptoms of stress. If you experience intense depressive episodes, panic, or anxiety attacks, your doctor may prescribe antidepressants such as amitriptyline and anti-anxiety medication such as buspirone.

Sprained chest muscle

Pulling or straining a chest muscle causes pain that increases with movement of the chest or spine, breathing deeply, sneezing, or coughing. The strained area can become sore and tender and spread to the ribs or upper back. Muscle strains can also cause bruising, muscle spasms, and swelling. 

Resting and using a cold or hot compress on the affected area can generally elevate the symptoms of strained chest muscles. Pain relievers such as acetaminophen (tylenol) can be taken to elevate pain symptoms if needed.

Broken or fractured rib

Accidents, blunt force trauma, or physical trauma to the bones can fracture or break the ribs. This can be extremely painful, and your chest can hurt when you breathe. The pain lasts for several weeks or till it heals completely. 

Broken and fractured ribs can heal on their own within six weeks. To speed up recovery, your doctor will advise you to ice the area daily and avoid moving around. Intense pain relievers and muscle relaxants such as methocarbamol are prescribed for relieving pain.

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When should I see a doctor?

Pain in the right side of your chest can be caused by something mild, such as acid reflux, or signal a more serious or life-threatening condition. If your pain has lasted over a few days, and you are experiencing breathing problems, digestive issues, rashes, redness, or swelling, you should consult your doctor.

FAQs about pain in the right side of your chest

Which doctor should I consult for chest pain?

A cardiologist can help determine the cause of your chest pain. If the underlying cause is related to a lung condition, you may be referred to a pulmonary specialist instead. 

What is the difference between chest pain and angina?

Angina is a type of chest pain that is a symptom of coronary artery disease. It feels like a pressure or squeezing sensation in the chest and is caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. This pain does not increase or decrease when taking a deep breath and is not affected by the body’s position, such as when chest pain is caused by pleurisy or infections.

Which lifestyle changes can help to stay at bay from chest pain?

Maintaining a healthy diet low in sugar, salt, and cholesterol, staying hydrated, exercising regularly for short periods, and doing light-strengthening exercises and stretches can help improve symptoms of chest pain. 

Can drinking hot water reduce chest pain?

If gas or indigestion is causing chest pain, drinking hot water or warm drinking can help speed up the digestive process. However, no evidence supports that drinking hot water can directly improve chest pain. 

How do I know if my chest pain is real or anxiety?

Chest pain with anxiety slowly improves after the panic or anxiety attack is over. You may also experience other anxiety-related symptoms, along with shortness of breath and stress. If chest pain is caused by another underlying condition, it will gradually get worse over time.

Your Doctors Online uses high-quality and trustworthy sources to ensure content accuracy and reliability. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and medical associations to provide up-to-date and evidence-based information to the users.

  • Ruan, Chest Pain—Wen, et al. “Chest Pain, Something is Not Right… Or Left.” atherosclerosis 19 (2010): e91-3.
  • Thomas, Lisa R., Lindsey Baden, and Dori F. Zaleznik. “Chest pain with a surprising course.” New England Journal of Medicine 341.15 (1999): 1134-1138.
  • Donat, Walter E. “Chest pain: cardiac and noncardiac causes.” Clinics in Chest Medicine 8.2 (1987): 241-252.
  • Travell, Janet, and Seymour H. Rinzler. “Pain Syndromes of the Chest Muscles.” Canadian Medical Association Journal 59.4 (1948): 333.

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