What could be the cause of right side chest pain in women?

When a woman feels chest pain on the right side, there are several possible causes. One common reason is a problem with the chest wall from strained muscles or an inflammation called costochondritis, where the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone becomes sore. Sometimes the pain might be linked to lung conditions such as pleurisy, where the lining around the lungs is irritated, making breathing painful. Another possible cause may be an infection or blood clot in the lungs. In some cases, issues from the digestive system, like acid reflux or problems with the gallbladder can also create pain in the chest area. Even though chest pain is often thought to be heart-related, in women right side chest pain is less often connected to heart problems and may come from these other causes. Each type of chest pain can feel different—sharp, aching, or tight—and may be affected by movement or deep breaths. If you're experiencing chest pain and want to better understand what might be causing your symptoms, try our free AI symptom checker for personalized insights. It is important to talk with a doctor about any ongoing chest pain so they can carefully ask questions, perform an exam, and possibly run tests to figure out exactly what is causing the pain and the best way to treat it so you feel better soon.