What causes right-sided chest pain?
Oct 30, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
In general, right-sided chest pain may be caused by overexertion, emotional stress, costochondritis, pleurisy, pneumothorax, or other reasons. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, it is important to balance work and rest, avoid excessive fatigue, maintain emotional stability, reduce mental stress, stay warm, and prevent the chest from getting cold.
Under normal circumstances, right chest pain may be caused by overexertion, emotional stress, costochondritis, pleurisy, pneumothorax, or other reasons. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Overexertion
Long-term intense exercise or heavy physical labor can lead to strain of the chest muscles, with lactic acid buildup stimulating nerves and causing right-sided chest pain. Adequate rest, reducing strain on chest muscles, and appropriate massage can help improve blood circulation and relieve soreness. Avoid sudden high-intensity physical activity in daily life.
2. Emotional Stress
Chronic anxiety and tension may disrupt the autonomic nervous system, leading to spasms of the chest muscles and resulting in right chest pain. Practicing deep breathing, listening to calming music, maintaining regular sleep patterns, avoiding late nights, and reducing mental stress can help alleviate muscle spasms.
3. Costochondritis
Inflammation of the costal cartilage due to viral infection or trauma can irritate surrounding nerves, causing right chest pain that worsens with pressure. Under medical guidance, medications such as diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, or celecoxib capsules may be used. Avoid exposure to cold temperatures and excessive chest movement.
4. Pleurisy
Inflammation of the pleura caused by bacterial or viral infection leads to friction on the pleural surface, stimulating nerves and resulting in right chest pain, often accompanied by coughing and chest tightness. Under medical supervision, medications such as cefuroxime axetil tablets, azithromycin dispersible tablets, or ribavirin granules may be prescribed. Avoid vigorous coughing during treatment and ensure good indoor ventilation.
5. Pneumothorax
Rupture of lung tissue allows air to enter the pleural cavity, compressing lung tissue and causing sudden onset of right chest pain along with difficulty breathing. Immediate medical attention is required. Small pneumothoraces may be managed with bed rest and observation, while large pneumothoraces require closed thoracic drainage to remove air. After treatment, avoid strenuous activities and schedule regular follow-up evaluations of lung function.
In daily life, maintain a balance between work and rest to avoid overexertion; keep emotions stable and reduce psychological stress; stay warm and protect the chest from cold; engage in moderate exercise to strengthen overall health while avoiding intense physical activity. Seek prompt medical evaluation if chest pain persists or fails to improve.
