Eshealthtips.com – There are several causes of right side chest pain. Some are musculoskeletal, digestive, respiratory, or cardiac in origin. Pain that originates in the right chest may also be caused by problems with the upper abdomen or nerves elsewhere in the body. A physical examination may reveal the cause of the pain. Imaging tests may also be ordered. If you have right side chest pain, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. A proper diagnosis may save your life.
Diagnosing the Cause of Right Chest Pain
The causes of right chest pain are numerous and most cases are not connected to your heart. However, if the pain is very severe or is accompanied by other symptoms, you should seek medical help. It is always a good idea to visit your doctor or local emergency room if chest pain persists for longer than 10 minutes. A cardiac doctor will be able to diagnose any problem and help you recover from the discomfort. If you suspect that you’re having a heart attack, you should call 911 immediately.
Some causes of right side chest pain are muscle strain or strained muscle. Muscle strain usually occurs after intensive use of chest muscles, whether intentional or unintentional. The muscle fibers may have been damaged temporarily, and the pain may only start a few days later. A strained chest muscle may result in an increase in pain on palpation and a slight swelling. Some patients may even find it difficult to move their arms.
In some cases, right side chest pain may be the result of an acid reflux or heart disease. Chest pain on the right side may also accompany other symptoms such as difficulty breathing or sweating. Although right side chest pain may be an indication of a heart attack, there are many other causes of this symptom. Your doctor may perform a physical exam, review your medical history, and order imaging tests to determine the cause of your right side chest pain.
Pulmonary Embolism Other Causes of Right Side Chest Pain
A pulmonary embolism is another possible cause of right-side chest pain. A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot lodged in a lung. These clots may be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early. If your chest pain is on the right side, you should see a doctor immediately. The symptoms of pulmonary embolism are sudden and severe, and you should seek emergency care if you suspect a pulmonary embolism.
Other causes of right side chest pain may include gallstones, an infection, or other medical conditions. In most cases, the pain is unrelated to food or dietary intake. If you are suffering from right side chest pain after eating, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes or medications. Alternatively, you can consult a gastroenterologist. He will be able to prescribe a prescription for medication to treat inflammation or a cardiovascular problem. A right side chest pain that is caused by gallstones or gallbladder inflammation should be diagnosed by a physician as soon as possible.
A rib fracture is another cause of right side chest pain. A fractured rib may cause intense chest pain and difficulty breathing. A broken rib may be the result of trauma to the chest or a severe cough. Regardless of the cause, you should seek immediate medical attention as a rib fracture may damage internal organs. Another cause of right side chest pain is pulmonary hypertension or acid reflux. See a doctor immediately if you suffer from a right side chest pain.
Suffering Right Side Chest Pain
In one case study, a 52-year-old Caucasian British man presented to the accident and emergency department two days after tripping at home and suffering from a right side chest pain. During the examination, the patient was in obvious distress and described a simple fall two days earlier. On investigation, a chest radiograph revealed simple bilateral pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum. A computerised tomography confirmed the diagnosis of a thoracic injury with a complex pathophysiology.
Some people experience chest pain because of a collapsed lung or a fractured rib. Fortunately, many of these injuries heal on their own, but there is a chance that you have a more serious medical condition. A chest injury may have caused a rib to break, or you may have been exercising and fallen. Seek medical attention immediately for the injury. Over-the-counter pain relievers and heat/ice therapy may help to alleviate the pain.
Anxiety-related chest pain can be a sign of a heart attack or a more serious health issue. This chest pain usually occurs on the right side of the body and is associated with abdominal cramps and shortness of breath. The pain can also be accompanied by other symptoms, including abdominal cramps, sweating, and diarrhea. A doctor should be consulted if chest pain persists and you suspect a heart attack.