What Causes Chest Pain After Taking Antibiotics For Root Canal Treatment?

Posted on Tue, 18 Aug 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 18 Aug 2015 Answered on

Mon, 7 Sep 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a bubble like pain in the middle of my chest that seems to be acid reflux related in that it comes and goes, is not cured by antacids, last for 2-4 seconds and subsides to nothing. I was at the dentist this morning for a root canal and he gave me 4 antibiotic pills to take that seemed to cause real stomach/throat acid. The problem is that it seems gas related, is in the mid-throat area but won't go away. It's like I ate something and it got stuck part way down. How do I get rid of it?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Alteration of intestinal flora due to antibiotic use;see following...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I am sorry for the situation you are in.

1. You are taking antibiotics for root canal treatment. It is common for antibiotics to give stomach and intestinal problems like gas, burning, cramps or changes in bowel movements (bm).

This is what is happening in your case.

2. Tums (antacids) alone can't help you much.

3. I advise to also take:
- probiotics to stabilize intestinal flora (which has been altered by the use of antibiotics)
- take simeticone to relieve the gas
- PPIs in the morning can also help
- drink plenty of water and have your meals regularly
- avoid spicy/chilly/fried/oily foods and carbonated drinks

4. If still will help the same problems, I advise to discuss it further with your dentist in order to:
- change therapy (switch to another antibiotic)
- or add anti-fungal medication (e.g. nystatin or miconazole) orally

Hope it was of help! Wish fast recovery!
Feel free to ask me other queries you might have!
Dr.Albana

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar