Sharp, pulling pain in the right chest similar to a muscle strain—how can it be relieved?

Generally, a pulling pain in the right chest cavity resembling a side stitch may be caused by physiological factors, or it could result from pathological conditions such as trauma or pleurisy. A detailed analysis is as follows:

I. Physiological Factors

After intense physical exercise, breathing rate increases, which can lead to temporary ischemia in the respiratory muscle fibers, causing chest pain during respiration. Symptoms can be improved through adequate rest, drinking warm water appropriately, and regulating breathing rhythm.

II. Pathological Factors

1. Trauma

If the right chest wall suffers external impact, stimulation or injury to soft tissues may cause a pulling pain in the chest area. It is recommended to visit a hospital for diagnostic imaging tests such as CT or MRI. Under medical guidance, anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, acetaminophen tablets, or diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets may be prescribed.

2. Pleurisy

When the pleura becomes infected by bacteria, inflammatory reactions can lead to local symptoms such as edema and exudation. Inflammatory substances stimulating sensory nerve endings in the chest can cause pain in the right chest cavity, particularly noticeable during breathing. Under medical supervision, medications such as metronidazole tablets, indomethacin sustained-release capsules, or aspirin enteric-coated tablets may be used to control inflammation and relieve symptoms.

In addition, pneumonia could also be a possible cause. Specific diagnosis requires relevant examinations at a hospital to determine the exact underlying cause, followed by appropriate treatment measures.