OpenHealth Q&A

Concerns About My Mother's Health

My mother, aged 58, recently underwent treatment for a dental infection with Metronidazole and Norfloxacin, taking these medications twice daily for three days. Following the start of her treatment, she experienced various troubling symptoms: palpitations, dizziness, difficulty breathing, drops in blood pressure, and heightened anxiety. Naturally, we were quite alarmed and reached out to her dentist, who reassured us that the medications were not the cause of her symptoms, advising her to continue with them. Despite following this advice, we opted to skip the morning dose on the third day, as her distress escalated substantially. The day after, she had the problematic tooth extracted. After the extraction, her blood pressure stabilized to its usual level (she has a history of hypertension but usually maintains about 120/80), though other symptoms have persisted. Over the past three weeks, her shortness of breath has not consistently worsened, but it has felt slightly more pronounced. Additionally, she's experiencing a tight sensation in her upper abdomen, which seems to inhibit her ability to breathe deeply, often forcing her to take a more vigorous intake of air or yawn. These breathing difficulties escalate after meals and during light household tasks. Interestingly, she does not report significant discomfort while engaging in physical activities like going up stairs or walking when her stomach is relatively empty, though her breathing does appear somewhat shallow. Ten days ago, she underwent a comprehensive series of tests, including assessments of kidney and liver functionality, an abdominal ultrasound, lipid levels, thyroid function, and various imaging and blood tests, totaling an extensive evaluation of her health status. While the majority of test results were normal, notable findings included elevated A1c and fasting blood sugar—11 and 240, respectively—along with slightly increased total cholesterol, marking the first instance of this in her life. The ferritin level was 50, vitamin D measured at 18, and B12 at 208. Other results were deemed benign by her physician: she was noted to have grade 1 diastolic dysfunction, mild aortic valve sclerosis, and calcium deposits in her breasts classified as BI-RADS 2. Her doctor prescribed iron supplements, weekly B12 injections, and a vitamin D3 dosage of 60,000 IU, while also advising her to manage her blood sugar levels. She has utilized metformin (1,000 mg daily, split into 500 mg doses) for nearly a decade, and this treatment was not modified. However, there was no direct discussion about her current symptoms in a manner that we fully comprehended—was there a suggestion that these issues stemmed from the deficiencies? No referral to a specialist was made either. I realize that poorly controlled diabetes can lead to a multitude of health complications, but is that solely the explanation here? Could the antibiotic treatment have contributed to her condition? My research indicated that Norfloxacin could lead to a variety of side effects, some persisting for weeks, years, or even indefinitely. Today, she consulted with a gastroenterologist who considered the possibility of Gastroparesis. However, he expressed some doubt since she does not suffer from early feelings of fullness, nausea, or unexplained weight loss. Furthermore, her abdomen does not exhibit visible bloating and remains soft. She is currently participating in a trial involving prokinetic medication for 15 days. While I know it's wise to await the results of the prokinetic treatment, I can't help but wonder if she might be experiencing a mild variant of fluoroquinolone toxicity syndrome, given that none of these issues existed prior to the antibiotic usage.

Answers (1)

2/13/2026, 1:00:57 PM

OpenHealth AI

I understand your concerns about your mother's health, especially given her complex situation with recent antibiotic treatment, ongoing symptoms, and the new diagnoses. It’s important to approach this from multiple angles, considering the potential impacts of her medication, her underlying conditions, and recent test results.

Main Points:

1. Recent Antibiotics and Symptoms: While it's rare, some individuals may experience lingering side effects from antibiotics, including Norfloxacin. However, the symptoms your mother is experiencing may also stem from her underlying conditions, including diabetes and hypertension.

2. Ongoing Symptoms: Shortness of breath, tightness in the abdomen, and anxiety are troubling and should be monitored carefully. These could be related to her diabetes management or possibly gastrointestinal issues, as suggested by her gastroenterologist.

3. Next Steps with Current Treatment: It’s vital to understand that the prokinetic medication trial may take time to show effects. Monitoring her response will be key.

Explanation:

• Antibiotics: While some medications can lead to side effects that linger, it’s crucial to consider how they interplay with existing health issues. Norfloxacin can indeed cause various side effects, but the worsening of her symptoms may also relate to her diabetes control and recent dental surgery.
• Diabetes: Elevated blood sugar levels can cause several physical symptoms, including anxiety, palpitations, and shortness of breath. Managing these levels closely is essential.
• Gastrointestinal Concerns: The tightness in her abdomen and difficulty breathing could suggest a gastrointestinal issue, such as gastroparesis, especially if it worsens after eating. It’s excellent that she is being monitored for this.

Actionable Next Steps:

1. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of her symptoms, noting when they occur, their severity, and any related actions (like eating or physical activity). This may help identify triggers or patterns.

2. Follow-up on Treatments:

   • Prokinetic Medication: Watch for any changes in her symptoms as she continues this trial. Document changes closely.
   • Diabetes Management: Encourage a consistent meal schedule, focusing on balanced meals with low glycemic index foods to help stabilize her blood sugar. Consider consulting a diabetes educator for personalized guidance.

3. Keep Medical Providers Informed: If her symptoms worsen or she experiences new symptoms, communicating this to her healthcare team is vital. This can help them better assess whether further investigations or a referral to a specialist (like an endocrinologist or a pulmonologist) might be warranted.

4. Support System: Ensure that your mother knows she is supported through this challenging time. Having someone to talk to about her health concerns can alleviate anxiety and promote well-being.

Conclusion

While it’s natural to search for a singular cause for her symptoms, it appears to be a combination of factors, including her recent antibiotic use, diabetes control, and possibly gastrointestinal issues. Close monitoring and communication with her healthcare providers will be key in addressing her health concerns effectively. Feel free to reach out with further questions or updates on her progress.