What Causes Discomfort In Upper Chest While On Levoquin?

Posted on Sun, 30 Aug 2015

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

Sun, 30 Aug 2015 Answered on

Mon, 21 Sep 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : For the past week, I have experienced a discomfort in my upper chest when I inhale ( it feels tight) . Actually, it feels like I have vomited many times, but I have not vomited. It feels like that kind of soreness. I have had a recent sinus infection and a nonproductive cough. I was treated with oral Levoquin and oral singulair, but symptoms have not resolved. I am an RN and have been exposed to several Pneumonia patients recently that were placed on Droplet/Contact isolation. I do have a GI history of GERD as well. Could this be GI related?

Answered by Dr. Sonia Raina (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
GERD, Change of antibiotic

Detailed Answer:
Hello, greetings!

I have gone through your array of symptoms and I conclude that you are experiencing this discomfort and tightness due to GERD.
One of the potential side effects of Levoquin is abdominal discomfort too, this, accompanied with GERD can be responsible for your symptoms.

As your infection hasn't been resolved, you might need sinus puncture and bacterial culture to switch over to a sensitive antibiotic.

I would recommend my patients antacids and proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole or rabeprazole for GERD. Avoid lying down right after a meal. Take small meals at regular intervals of time.

Also get a routine ekg done to rule out any cardiac anomalies.

Hope I answered all your queries. If you have any further doubts, feel free to contact me.

Wish you good health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj