Have you had surgery recently and had a reaction to the iodine used imaging tests?  What
exactly is an iodine allergy?  If you have an allergy to iodine does that mean you also
have a seafood allergy because seafood usually contains iodine?  These are pressing
questions about iodine that will be answered in this article.

What are symptoms of an iodine allergy?  An iodine allergy presents similar symptoms to
other allergies.  Symptoms of an iodine allergy include digestion track issues such as gas,
bloating, and diarrhea plus skin conditions such as hives and eczema.  In severe cases an
individual can go into anaphylactic shock.  Their face may swell and their airways will
close.

If an individual goes into anaphylactic shock it is critical that you give them an
epinephrine shot.  If you or someone you know is deathly allergic to an allergen then they
should carry an epinephrine shot with them at all times.  An epinephrine shot can mean
the difference between life and death.

When is iodine used?  Iodine is a substance used during x-rays and imaging tests for
surgery.  Before surgery you should be asked if you have a known iodine allergy.  Iodine
is also present in certain foods such as seafood. 

Most people have the right balance of iodine in their bodies.  However, in poor, third
world countries many people suffer from an iodine deficiency.  This deficiency can lead
to a lower mental capacity.

If you have an iodine allergy does that mean you also have a seafood allergy?  The
answer is no, not necessarily.  Seafood contains iodine, but if you have an iodine allergy
from surgery it doesn?t necessarily mean you have a seafood allergy.  Why?  The
allergies to seafood arise from certain proteins in the seafood.  Therefore, a seafood
allergy is different from an iodine allergy.

If you have an iodine allergy you might be concerned that you are allergic to iodized salt
as well.  This is not the case.  Iodine occurs naturally and the iodized salt should not pose
an allergy problem.  Feel free to add iodized salt to your fries without worrying.

If you do have a known iodine allergy, make sure to tell your Radiologist the next time
you have surgery.  They can substitute a different substance for iodine when they take x-
rays.

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