Iodine allergy – causes, symptoms & therapy

People with an iodine allergy suffer from allergic reactions to a substance that fulfills a number of important functions in the human organism. For example, the hormone iodine plays an essential role in the mechanisms of the thyroid gland . The iodine ingested through food usually serves as the basis for the production of important thyroid hormones. On the other hand, a lack of iodine leads to a number of diseases. These were traditionally treated with the active ingredients iodate or iodite obtained from nature.

Nowadays, iodine is also artificially synthesized. In the case of an iodine deficiency, those affected are usually recommended to eat foods with a high iodine content. These include, for example, iodized table salt as well as seafood and fish.

It turns out that people with an iodine allergy only show allergic reactions to the iodine components contained in food in very rare cases. Because in naturally occurring iodine, the molecules of the substance are too small. For this reason, an iodine allergy tends to develop rather rarely.Instead, an iodine allergy is primarily triggered by industrially produced iodine. Such iodine is primarily present in contrast media for X-ray examinations, disinfectants and pharmaceuticals. Some people develop an allergy to the iodine they contain when they come into contact with such substances, so that an iodine allergy develops over time.

causes

Basically, an iodine allergy is caused by faulty mechanisms of the immune system . The iodine is misidentified by the immune system as a foreign substance that needs to be fought. For this reason, the typical signs of allergy develop. The prerequisite for an iodine allergy is therefore always that the immune system has previously been sensitized to iodine. Under certain circumstances, the iodine allergy is accompanied by serious symptoms, such as cardiac arrhythmia, pain in the heart area and fainting. Renal colic, anxiety and shortness of breath are also possible.

In most cases, the iodine contained in food is not responsible for the iodine allergy. Instead, people develop allergic reactions, especially to artificially obtained iodine. If people show characteristic allergy symptoms after treatment with iodine ointments or iodine-based contrast media , they may have an iodine allergy. In this case, it is advisable to speak to the treating doctor or radiologist about the suspicion.

symptoms and course

The special feature of an iodine allergy is that it is a category 4 allergy. This is a so-called type 4 reaction, which leads to a delayed allergic reaction. The allergic symptoms only appear hours to days after contact with the allergenic iodine. The iodine allergy therefore represents a delayed hypersensitivity reaction. As a rule, the first symptoms of the iodine allergy appear after about twelve hours. In some cases, however, the signs of iodine allergy only appear after a few days.

In addition, some people develop typical symptoms even if there is no iodine allergy. Because iodine in environmental toxins or other substances also irritates pre-stressed human immune systems. In principle, the symptoms of a pronounced iodine allergy are mainly visible on the skin. The skin symptoms are also a rather mild form of the iodine allergy. Affected people suffer from red patches on the skin and swelling in the affected areas. This is usually accompanied by severe itching .

Such complaints of iodine allergy appear primarily in the area of ​​the head. The areas behind the ears and around the eyes are often affected. In addition, the skin problems of iodine allergy often develop on the chest and back as well as arms and legs.

Diagnose

During the examination, the doctor first analyzes the patient’s complaints and the circumstances under which they appear. The general practitioner usually refers sick people to an allergist in order to make a reliable diagnosis of the iodine allergy. Various clinical examinations are used to clearly determine the iodine allergy. For example, the doctor performs blood tests .A so-called provocation test plays an important role in the diagnosis. The allergenic iodine is applied to the patient’s skin. The reaction can be used to diagnose an iodine allergy.

complications

As a rule, an iodine allergy can be treated and treated relatively easily. For this reason, complications usually only occur if no treatment takes place at all. This allergy usually causes hives . Those affected suffer from a rash on the skin and also show symptoms of a cold or flu. Acne or generally impure skin can also be aggravated by the iodine allergy and have a very negative effect on the aesthetics of those affected. Many patients also suffer from inferiority complexes or a significantly reduced sense of self-esteem.

The allergy can also cause swelling in the face. Furthermore, the iodine allergy leads to diarrhea, dizziness or vomiting. In general, this significantly restricts and reduces the quality of life of those affected. There can be severe pain in the joints and thus limitations in the patient’s movement. As a rule, the symptoms of iodine allergy can be treated relatively easily and quickly. Complications do not arise. In most cases, the life expectancy of the patient is not reduced by the disease.

treatment and therapy

With an iodine allergy there is a risk of cross-allergies, which is relatively low with iodine. On the other hand, the affected allergy sufferers are also exposed to the risk of anaphylactic shock due to the iodine allergy. This is an acute allergic shock situation that can be life-threatening in the worst case.

Some patients experience anaphylactic shock as part of an iodine allergy, for example, when contrast media are used in X-ray examinations. In such cases, the examination must be stopped immediately and the patient treated by an emergency doctor.

The first-aid measures include shock positioning, keeping warm and regular pulse checks of the affected person (see graphic). If the patient is unconscious, the patient must be placed in the stable lateral position.

In the event of severe shock (cardiovascular failure, respiratory failure), an emergency doctor must be called immediately. He can initiate further acute medical measures (e.g. injections of adrenaline, intubation) in order to stabilize the patient.

prevention

One of the most important pillars of preventing an iodine allergy is the consistent avoidance of iodine-containing substances (allergens). If contrast media containing iodine are administered for imaging diagnostic methods (e.g. X-rays), you should definitely inform the doctor in advance about your hypersensitivity.