What Causes Pain In The Right Side Of The Chest?

An individual's chest contains multiple organs and structures that perform different functions. The right side of the chest houses the right side of the heart, ascending aorta, pulmonary blood vessels, lymph nodes, nerves, ribs, upper spine, right lung, and esophagus. Pain that develops on the right side of the chest can be due to a local problem in that region, or it can be referred pain. Referred pain describes when a nerve under pressure or damaged runs through the chest is caused by a problem that does not originate in this region. Symptoms of right-sided chest pain can be persistent or intermittent. Depending on its cause, right-sided chest pain can be acute or chronic.

Heartburn Or Acid Reflux

An individual who experiences pain in the right side of their chest may be affected by heartburn or acid reflux. Heartburn is a symptom where an individual feels a burning sensation in the chest due to inflammation in their esophagus. Acid reflux is a digestive condition that may include the symptoms of heartburn, sore throat, upset stomach, pain in the abdomen, discomfort in the abdomen, bloating, and throat tightness.

The most common causes of heartburn and acid reflux that trigger pain in the right side of the chest include obesity, smoking, drinking alcohol, certain medications, consuming certain types of food, eating too quickly, eating too close to bedtime, eating large meals, pregnancy, diabetes, and hiatal hernia. Heartburn and acid reflux are diagnosed based on symptom history, physical examination, and sometimes an upper GI endoscopy.

Anxiety Or Stress

Anxiety is a disorder characterized by overwhelming feelings of nervousness, fear, and worry. While feelings of nervousness, fear, and worry are normal in certain situations, it is not normal for these feelings to be frequent and persistent. Anxiety can evolve to the point where it begins to manifest as physical reactions in an affected in the body. These reactions may include increased heart rate, increased respiratory rate, increased blood pressure, and increased sweating.

The anxiety that produces these physical reactions too frequently can increase the risk of heart problems. Stress is the feeling of physical or emotional tension that may have been triggered by certain events or environmental factors. Stress is a good reaction in situations where danger is present, but too much stress can be detrimental to an individual's health. Stress produces the same physical reactions as anxiety, and such changes in the body can cause an individual to experience right-sided chest pain.