Overview
Right-side chest pain refers to discomfort, pressure, or sharp pain on the right side of the chest. This symptom can range from mild and intermittent to severe and persistent, and may originate from the heart, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, muscles, ribs, or skin.
In Korea, right-sided chest pain is evaluated promptly due to its potential association with serious conditions, including pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, or gallbladder disease. Accurate diagnosis using ECG, imaging, and laboratory tests is crucial.
➤ May be sharp, dull, stabbing, or pressure-like
➤ Can signal muscle, lung, heart, or abdominal issues
➤ Requires careful evaluation if sudden, severe, or associated with other symptoms
Key Facts
➤ Right-side chest pain is less commonly cardiac than left-side pain but still requires evaluation
➤ Frequently caused by musculoskeletal strain, lung infections, or gastrointestinal issues
➤ May present with shortness of breath, fever, or digestive symptoms
➤ Korea has advanced diagnostic facilities to quickly identify serious underlying causes
What is Right-Side Chest Pain?
Right-sided chest pain is a symptom rather than a disease. Its location on the right side can arise from:
- Musculoskeletal causes (rib strain, intercostal muscle strain)
- Pulmonary causes (pneumonia, pleurisy, pulmonary embolism)
- Cardiac causes (rare right-sided heart issues, pericarditis)
- Gastrointestinal causes (gallbladder disease, liver inflammation, reflux)
- Skin or nerve causes (shingles, nerve irritation)
What Symptoms Are Related To
Associated symptoms can help identify the underlying cause:
➤ Shortness of breath – may indicate lung or heart involvement
➤ Fever, cough, or sputum – suggests infection
➤ Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal tenderness – may indicate gallbladder or liver issues
➤ Sharp, stabbing pain with movement – musculoskeletal cause
➤ Rash or tingling – possible shingles or nerve involvement
➤ Palpitations or dizziness – cardiac evaluation may be needed
What Causes / Possible Causes
Musculoskeletal Causes
➤ Muscle strain from lifting, twisting, or exercise
➤ Rib fracture or bruising
➤ Costochondritis (inflammation of rib cartilage)
Pulmonary Causes
➤ Pneumonia or bronchitis
➤ Pleurisy (inflammation of lung lining)
➤ Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in lungs – medical emergency)
Cardiac Causes
➤ Rarely, right-sided myocardial infarction
➤ Pericarditis (inflammation of the heart lining)
Gastrointestinal Causes
➤ Gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis)
➤ Liver inflammation (hepatitis) or liver abscess
➤ Acid reflux or esophageal spasm
Skin/Nerve Causes
➤ Shingles (herpes zoster)
➤ Pinched or irritated intercostal nerves
When Should I See My Doctor
Immediate medical attention is necessary if right-side chest pain is:
➤ Sudden, severe, or crushing
➤ Accompanied by shortness of breath, fainting, or palpitations
➤ Associated with fever, chills, or productive cough
➤ Linked to nausea, vomiting, or jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes)
➤ Persistent or worsening despite rest or home care
⚠️ Early evaluation helps rule out life-threatening conditions like pulmonary embolism or heart issues.
Care and Treatment
Treatment depends on the underlying cause:
Musculoskeletal Causes
➤ Rest and activity modification
➤ Pain relief with NSAIDs or acetaminophen
➤ Physical therapy for strengthening and posture
Pulmonary Causes
➤ Antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia
➤ Anti-inflammatory medications for pleurisy
➤ Anticoagulants for pulmonary embolism
Cardiac Causes
➤ Hospitalization for right-sided heart events
➤ Anti-inflammatory treatment for pericarditis
➤ Lifestyle modification and medications for heart disease
Gastrointestinal Causes
➤ Medications for acid reflux
➤ Surgical or minimally invasive procedures for gallbladder disease
➤ Liver disease management through medication and lifestyle changes
Skin/Nerve Causes
➤ Antiviral medications for shingles
➤ Pain management and topical treatments for nerve irritation
Treatment Options in Korea
Korea offers advanced diagnostic and therapeutic options for right-side chest pain:
➤ Diagnostics
➤ ECG and echocardiography for heart evaluation
➤ Chest X-ray, CT, or MRI for lung and rib assessment
➤ Ultrasound for liver, gallbladder, and abdominal evaluation
➤ Laboratory tests for infection, liver function, and inflammatory markers
➤ Treatment Approaches
➤ Minimally invasive gallbladder surgery (laparoscopic cholecystectomy)
➤ Pulmonary embolism interventions (catheter-directed thrombolysis)
➤ Physical therapy & pain management for musculoskeletal causes
➤ Advanced antiviral and pain therapies for shingles
➤ Top Hospitals in Korea for Chest Pain & Related Conditions
➤ Asan Medical Center – Cardiopulmonary care and emergency management
➤ Samsung Medical Center – Advanced minimally invasive surgery & diagnostics
➤ Seoul National University Hospital – Comprehensive cardiac and thoracic evaluation
➤ Severance Hospital (Yonsei University) – Emergency and internal medicine specialists
Final Thoughts
Right-side chest pain can have multiple causes, ranging from benign musculoskeletal issues to serious pulmonary or cardiac conditions. Proper diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.
In Korea, patients benefit from rapid diagnostic evaluation, advanced imaging, and specialized treatment options for both urgent and chronic causes of right-sided chest pain.
If you experience sudden, severe, or persistent right-side chest pain, seek medical attention immediately to prevent complications.
