Gastritis caused by kidney stones?

My father is 75 years old. Last November, he had a colonoscopy (no polyps). The prep gave him an upset stomach, which he really hadn't recovered from when a dermatologist placed him on a powerful antibiotic (Levaquin). He experienced many side effects from the Levaquin, so he was placed on another antibiotic for two weeks. He has suffered from gastritis ever since. He has seen several gastroenterologists, and has had an upper endoscopy which showed lesions in the stomach and duodenum. He is currently taking Carafate, Prilosec, and Anaspaz (and he has been taking them for several weeks now). However, he is still having symptoms of pain, nausea, and flatulence. Just yesterday, his doctor put him on Lexapro becaue he is depressed from feeling so bad for so long. He also has a history of kidney stones, and several were seen in his left kidney during a CT scan in December. Could kidney stones be at the root of this problem, with the symptoms merely coincidental with the prep and the antibiotics? Or should he try seeing yet another gastroenterologist? His quality of life has been severely impacted by this. Thank you.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I am not aware of kidney stones leading to such prolonged symptoms your father is experiencing, nor is Levaquin commonly associated with such symptoms.

The upper endoscopy normally is a pretty comprehensive test, and if the results are non-revealing, you can consider a 24-hr pH study or motility study to exclude GERD or an esophageal motility disorder respectively.  

If the symptoms continue, I would recommend the second GI referral, preferably at a major academic medical center.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin Pho, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com
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