Differential Diagnosis for Burning in the Right Side of Chest
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This condition is characterized by the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest. The right side of the chest can be affected, especially if the patient is lying down or eating certain foods that trigger reflux.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Musculoskeletal Pain: Strained muscles or costochondritis (inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone) can cause burning or aching pain in the chest, including the right side.
- Pulmonary Embolism: Although less common, a pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs) can cause sharp, stabbing chest pain that may be perceived as burning, often accompanied by shortness of breath and other symptoms.
- Pneumonia or Pleurisy: Infections like pneumonia or inflammation of the lining around the lungs (pleurisy) can cause chest pain that might feel like burning, especially when coughing or taking deep breaths.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack): Although chest pain from a heart attack is often described as pressure or heaviness, it can sometimes be perceived as burning. It's crucial to consider this diagnosis, especially in patients with risk factors for heart disease.
- Aortic Dissection: A tear in the aorta's inner layer can cause severe, tearing chest pain that might be described as burning, often radiating to the back.
- Esophageal Perforation: A hole in the esophagus can lead to severe chest pain and is a medical emergency.
Rare Diagnoses
- Esophageal Spasm: Abnormal muscle contractions of the esophagus can cause chest pain that feels like burning.
- Herpes Zoster (Shingles): Reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus can cause a painful rash and burning sensation, which, if it affects the nerves around the chest, could be mistaken for internal chest burning.
- Tietze's Syndrome: A rare condition characterized by inflammation of the cartilages and surrounding tissues of the ribs, leading to chest pain that can be sharp and burning.