Pain in Right Side of Chest and Upper Back

Pain in right side of chest may be a sign of major medical conditions which are usually not relevant to heart, but including different causes. If you have experience unexplained right chest pain you need to call your doctor instantly to treat this condition.

Most of the times, chest pains immediately trigger fears of a heart attack, however they can also be symptomatic of other medical conditions. Chest discomforts should never ever be disregarded. Discomforts in the left side of the chest are usually linked to underlying heart conditions and discomforts in the right side of the chest are a sign of major health issue. For that reason, pain in the right side of the chest should not be disregarded, particularly in elderly people, due to the fact that it can function as the first hint of harmful medical condition.

According to Dr Nick Chaiyapin, a health professional for ElderlyJournal.com, “This type of chest pain is absolutely a sign of some disease or disorder, particularly in the elderly.”

Based on research carried out by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), chest pain is a frequently reported symptom. Since the heart lies on the left side of the chest cavity, people typically discover pain in this area to be worrisome and associate it with heart problems. Interestingly, individuals fail to notice pain on the right side of the chest, regardless of its relation to gallbladder inflammation, liver inflammation, and angina. Angina is chest pain that is indicative of absence of blood flow to the heart muscle.

While right sided chest pain is generally not triggered by heart factors, it is still representative of underlying health issue that might require instant medical interest.

Causes

The causes of pain in the right side of the chest vary, varying from the effects of excess physical activity to infections and underlying medical conditions. Here will list some of the best discussed causes.

• Viral Infection: Infection by the viruses that are accountable for the cold or flu has actually likewise been connected to pain on the right of the chest side. The chest pain may become more pronounced with deep breathing and coughing.
• Gastritis: Gastritis, or inflammation of the stomach lining, generally occurs after fasting or alcohol intakes and it can cause abdominal discomfort or even sharp pain in the right side of the chest and upper back.
• Pleural Inflammation: Inflammation of the pleural tissues that surround the lungs can cause pain in the right side of the chest, and sometimes the pain worsens with deep breathing and coughing.
• Gallbladder Diseases: Gallbladder attacks often manifest as pain in the right side of the chest due to inflammation of the gallbladder, and this might end up being most obvious after eating foods that are rich in fat. You might also experience pain if gallstones become lodged in the bile duct.
• Digestion Tract Disorders: Digestive tract conditions that involve the esophagus typically lead to tightening up of the chest, which can manifest as sharp pain in the right side of the chest.
• Liver Inflammation and Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver can cause ‘popping’ in the chest, along with pain in the right shoulder or pain in the right side of the rib cage and back. Similarly, right side chest pain may be because of hepatitis, which is a disease that causes swelling and swelling of the liver. Your physicians will have to perform medical tests in order to detect hepatitis.
• Injury: Recent injuries, such as a small rib displacement or a neck problem, may be the underlying causes for right side chest and upper back pain.
• Pancreatic Dysfunction: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause abdominal swelling that might radiate pain into the chest.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD is a chronic condition in which the contents of the stomach recedes up the esophagus. Irritation to the esophagus can manifest as chest pain.
• Thoracic Tumors: Tumors that develop within the lungs or in the surrounding areas can cause pain on the right side of the chest.
• Side Effect of Antacid: Chronic antacid usage has been linked to pain in the right side of the chest.
• Overexertion: Strenuous activities that require usage of the chest muscles may lead to pain in the right side of the chest. The pain is most likely related to muscle soreness and it might be aggravated by certain movements.
• Stress: Stress can exacerbate digestive system conditions, which cause pain on the right side of the chest and upper back. Some key stressors are work, school or family and relationship problems.
• Muscle Pulls: Pulls of the muscles or ligaments in the chest and injuries to the ribcage may lead to right side chest pain.
• Food Blockage: Blockage of the esophagus with food or beverages causes blockage, which can result in pain in the right side of your chest.

Complications Associated with Pain in Right Side of Chest and Upper Back

As an outcome of the pain in the right side of the chest and upper back you might experience other symptoms. These symptoms usually fix themselves as soon as you ease the chest pain and the hidden medical conditions that caused it.

• A burning sensation in the chest and under the breastbone.
• Heartburn into the mouth.
• Problem swallowing.
• Unpleasant breathing while lying down.
• Chest discomforts when altering body positions.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If your chest pain can not be explained away by your exercise or a known medical condition you ought to seek medical interest. In truth, you must call your doctor immediately if you experience abrupt chest pain that you are not able to relieve utilizing anti-inflammatory medications or other self-help solutions.

If you experience chest pain in mix with the following symptoms you must call 911 for instant medical assistance:

• Sudden pressure, tightness, and crushing weight below your breast bone.
• Chest pain that radiates into your left arm, back, or jaws.
• After extended periods of inactivity, you experience abrupt piercing chest pain that is accompanied by difficulty breathing.
• Accelerated heart rate, lightheadedness, nausea, fast breathing, disorientation, light skin, and extreme sweating.
• Incredibly low heart rate or high blood pressure.

If you experience these symptoms together with chest and back pain you must call your doctor:

• Chills, fever, or coughing up yellow/green colored phlegm.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Consistent and extreme chest and back pain.