Iodin Allergy

An allergy is a condition where the immune system of an individual’s body reacts in an aggressive and often excessive manner when it comes into contact with a trigger substance known as an allergen. Under normal circumstances, the object that causes the allergy will not necessarily be harmful to the individual’s body. In fact, some allergens may actually be healthy for the body. This applies especially to allergens that affect the digestive system. Normally, these allergens would be absorbed as nutrients in the body and their benefits would be felt by the individual.

However, because of the abnormal immune system response, an individual suffering from an allergy will be in a situation where he or she cannot afford to come into contact with the offending material.

Some allergic reactions may result in non-serious symptoms such as digestive distress or the presence of rashes on the body. These symptoms need to be taken seriously, but they are unlikely to cause immediate health problems. Instead, they will cause problems over the long term for the individual. Other allergic reactions could be far more serious and may require emergency medical aid. These reactions may result in the closure of airways in the throat. An individual suffering from an allergy that causes a serious reaction will need to be extremely careful. Such an individual may need to carry emergency medication at all times.

Iodine is a substance that is found in small quantities in certain foods. An iodine allergy is one where the individual reacts to the presence of iodine in the food that has been consumed. The reaction experienced by an individual who suffers from an iodine allergy may range from milder symptoms such as dizziness or asthma to more serious symptoms such as the loss of the ability to breathe because of a closed airway. Another interesting factor associated with an iodine allergy is the use of iodine in medical imaging tests.

Many medical imaging tests use contrast materials. Contrast materials are designed to fill or coat areas of the body that are being scanned. When these materials are inserted into the body, they allow for a much more detailed examination of the individual’s body. Often, medical imaging tests cannot be conducted without the use of a contrast material. Iodine is often used as a contrast material for medical tests. Individuals who suffer from an iodine allergy cannot be administered iodine for such imaging tests. An iodine allergy test is therefore needed before using iodine based contrast materials.

An iodine allergy is extremely rare. Therefore, testing for an iodine allergy does not often take place. In many cases, other allergies are suspected before the individual is tested for iodine sensitivity. It is important to note that many shellfish and seafood allergies are caused by other proteins or substances present in these foods and not by iodine. An individual suffering from an iodine allergy will, however, experience the symptoms of an allergic reaction when they consume shellfish. This should not be confused with a shellfish allergy.

There are many iodine allergy symptoms that can lead to a better understanding that the patient is actually suffering from this condition. Some of these iodine allergy symptoms include nausea, vomiting, itching skin, skin rashes, redness in the eyes and running nose. These symptoms should present themselves within minutes of consuming food with iodine in it or when iodine comes into contact with the skin of the individual. Iodine allergy symptoms are often extreme and will, in some cases, lead to the development of breathing problems and shock. An individual who suffers from an iodine allergy will, in such a situation, experience symptoms that are similar to an asthma attack. The intensity of the attack varies depending on the quantity of iodine as well as other factor such as the state of the individual’s health and the individual’s immune system. Normal medication for asthma may not solve the problem which is why an individual who suffers from an iodine allergy attack should be taken to an emergency room immediately.

An individual may also suffer from iodine allergy in the form of iodine overdose. This happens when the individual’s body is unable to clear the iodine present in it effectively. The job of clearing the iodine out of the body lies with the kidneys. When these organs stop functioning properly, the individual may have a gradual increase in blood iodine concentration. This can lead to iodine allergy symptoms. Such an individual may or may not be allergic to iodine.

Iodine allergy treatment depends on many different factors. The nature of the allergy often dictates the course of treatment. When the allergy causes skin problems and digestive problems, the individual may be told to consume anti-allergy medications that can sort out the issue. Such an individual may be told to keep these medications at hand in case of an accidental consumption of iodine. Those who suffer from severe allergic reactions to iodine may require emergency medications such as bronchodilators.

An individual who experiences any iodine allergy symptoms should have himself or herself tested for an iodine allergy. It is only after testing that the appropriate emergency iodine allergy treatment can be prescribed to the individual. All people who suffer from this type of allergy should avoid any foods that contain iodine in them. Some antiseptic treatments for cuts and wounds also contain iodine in them. These are avoidable for individuals who suffer from an iodine allergy. At any stage, the individual must avoid coming into contact with the allergen. Individuals who have severe allergic reactions to iodine may seek further therapy from their doctors. In such a situation, the doctor may prescribe some form of immune suppressant. This type of medication will help to moderate the allergic reaction of the individual in case of future contact with iodine or, for that matter, any allergen. This will ensure that any future iodine allergy attacks are less dangerous and do not threaten the life of the individual by causing breathing trouble.

Submitted on January 16, 2014