Differential Diagnosis for Right Sided Chest Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Musculoskeletal strain: This is often the most common cause of right-sided chest pain, resulting from overuse or injury to the muscles and bones in the chest wall. The pain is typically sharp and worsens with movement or deep breathing.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Pneumonia: Infection of the lung can cause chest pain, which may be localized to one side. The pain is often accompanied by fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
- Pulmonary embolism: A blood clot in the lungs can cause sudden, severe chest pain that may be worse on one side. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, and leg swelling.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Stomach acid flowing up into the esophagus can cause chest pain, which may be felt on one side. The pain is often accompanied by heartburn and worsens with eating or lying down.
- Costochondritis: Inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone can cause sharp chest pain, which may be localized to one side.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack): Although less common on the right side, a heart attack can cause chest pain that may be localized to one area. It is crucial to consider this diagnosis, especially in patients with risk factors.
- Aortic dissection: A tear in the aorta can cause severe, sudden chest pain that may be worse on one side. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
- Pneumothorax: A collapsed lung can cause sudden, severe chest pain that may be worse on one side. Other symptoms include shortness of breath and decreased breath sounds on the affected side.
Rare Diagnoses
- Lung cancer: A tumor in the lung can cause chest pain, which may be localized to one side. Other symptoms include cough, weight loss, and difficulty breathing.
- Tuberculosis: A bacterial infection of the lung can cause chest pain, which may be localized to one side. Other symptoms include cough, fever, and weight loss.
- Sickle cell disease: A genetic disorder that affects the blood can cause chest pain, which may be localized to one side. Other symptoms include anemia, jaundice, and episodes of pain.