Iodine intolerance refers to an intolerance or allergy to iodine-containing products. Among other things, it leads to severe cold symptoms, but is very treatable. Iodine allergy, which has been little researched, can also be prevented.
What is iodine intolerance?
Iodine intolerance is an allergy to iodine-containing foods, medications, and other products such as x-ray contrast agents and drugs. Contact with iodine-containing products results in a variety of symptoms, sometimes severe, such as shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, or itching. As these symptoms progress, other diseases and allergies may also develop, which is why early treatment by a physician is recommended. In the case of iodine intolerance, prevention is the method of choice. Most of the symptoms can be avoided simply by consciously avoiding iodine-containing foods. If contact with iodine-containing foods and associated complaints nevertheless occur, therapy with antihistamines and other mild medications is possible.
Causes
The exact causes of iodine intolerance are still unknown. It is assumed that hereditary influences on the one hand and increasing environmental pollution on the other hand promote the development of corresponding allergies. Likewise, too little contact with germs at a young age can promote the development of iodine intolerance. Allergy is also said to be promoted by too high or too low an intake of iodine. A connection between thyroid diseases such as Graves’ disease and iodine intolerance is also conceivable. It has been proven that a high iodine intake can accelerate and aggravate the course of the disease. In general, it is suspected that iodized salt itself leads to iodine intolerance, although there is as yet no scientific evidence to support this. In detail, iodine intolerance causes a dysregulation in the immune system, which can then lead to typical cold symptoms and, in addition, to further symptoms such as itching and shortness of breath. Although iodine itself is not a pathogen, the body reacts accordingly and tries to excrete the substance – colds and diarrhea are the result. The expected habituation effect does not occur here, which is why those affected often complain of discomfort only after years and suffer from symptoms that become more severe over time.
Symptoms, complaints, and signs
Iodine intolerance can manifest itself through a wide variety of symptoms, the severity of which can vary greatly. Typical signs include itching and rash, as well as hives. Reddened and watery eyes and other cold symptoms such as a runny nose are also among the symptoms. Likewise, iodine acne and eczema can occur primarily on the neck, but can also spread to the entire body. Iodine intolerance can also cause swelling of the throat and associated breathing difficulties. Swelling and angioedema may also occur in other areas of the face and oral cavity, such as the mouth, lips, tongue and throat. In severe cases, this can lead to anaphylactic shock or an asthma attack. This is preceded by symptoms such as shortness of breath, an increased heartbeat, and a strong feeling of tightness in the throat. Other symptoms may include fatigue and lightheadedness to fever, as well as diarrhea, dizziness and a drop in blood pressure. Coughing and a general feeling of malaise may also be among the symptoms of iodine intolerance. Furthermore, severe headaches, joint pain and lethargy may occur, accompanied by physical and psychological sequelae. By changing the diet, most symptoms disappear after a few days to weeks.
Diagnosis and course of the disease
Iodine intolerance can usually be self-diagnosed by those affected on the basis of their symptoms. For precise clarification, a physician must be consulted, who can diagnose the allergy using various methods such as the Select-181 test. Here, a blood sample is first taken, which is then tested for the corresponding antigen. Depending on the doctor’s suspicions, further blood or antibody tests are then carried out to narrow down the causes of the allergy. An exact diagnosis is only possible after an allergy test and a comprehensive medical history.A look at previous medical records also provides information about possible allergies, allowing a final diagnosis.
Complications
As a rule, iodine intolerance does not represent a particularly serious disease, which is why no particular complications are to be expected. In most cases, this sole can be relatively well limited. Should contact or ingestion of iodine occur, those affected suffer the symptoms of a cold. There is also a reddish rash on the skin, which may be associated with itching. It is not uncommon for swelling to occur in various regions of the body, and the mouth area can also be affected by the swelling. Furthermore, fatigue or drowsiness also occurs. Patients also suffer from diarrhea and vomiting. The quality of life is relatively reduced by the symptoms of iodine intolerance. There is generally pain in various regions of the body. It is not uncommon for patients to also suffer from psychological discomfort or depression. Iodine intolerance can be limited with the help of medication. Likewise, the affected person must limit the consumption of iodine-containing foods so that the complaints do not occur. Further complications do not usually occur.
When should one go to the doctor?
If abnormalities and irregularities develop during the consumption of iodine-containing foods, creams or toothpaste, a visit to the doctor is necessary to clarify the cause. In case of an itchy nose, disturbances in breathing, swelling of the mucous membranes or problems with smelling, there are health impairments that must be examined by a doctor. In case of an irritated cough, sputum, sneezing or reddened eyes, a visit to the doctor is necessary. Shortness of breath, interruptions in breathing, or a feeling of pressure in the chest are cause for concern. A physician should be consulted before an emergency situation develops due to a shortage of oxygen. Swelling of the face or neck, general changes in the appearance of the skin, the formation of eczema, rashes or redness are indications of an existing intolerance. Visual changes in the lips, mouth, tongue, or swelling in the throat area should be evaluated by a physician. Disturbances in digestion, stomach complaints, diarrhea, flatulence or cramps are considered unusual and should be examined. In severe cases, the individual may be at risk of anaphylactic shock. An emergency physician must be called and first aid measures must be taken as soon as the first signs of this exceptional situation appear. If the affected person loses consciousness, care must be taken to ensure breathing to ensure survival.
Treatment and therapy
If iodine is taken despite iodine intolerance, comprehensive treatment of the respective symptoms is necessary. For example, itching, rash, and other skin reactions that typically occur as a result of an iodine allergy are treated with over-the-counter antihistamines. In this case, medications that dilate the airways and relieve stress on the lungs are predominantly prescribed. In acute cases, the stress hormone epinephrine can be injected, which usually stops the allergy reaction.
Outlook and prognosis
The prognosis of iodine intolerance depends on seeking medical treatment as well as using self-help measures. Without adequate medical care, a sharp increase in symptoms as well as further illness is to be expected. Affected persons report a decrease in quality of life and restrictions in everyday life due to the complaints. In addition to the physical irregularities, iodine intolerance is also likely to cause psychological and mental problems. In particularly severe cases, anaphylactic shock can occur. This is associated with a potential endangerment of one’s own life and can take a fatal course. If the affected person takes medical and medical care, iodine intolerance is not a worrying disease. The administration of medicines alleviates the discomfort and the general well-being increases. In addition, those affected can regulate their own consumption of iodine through their food intake and thus make a significant contribution to maintaining their own health. With a balanced diet, the symptoms of the disease can be significantly minimized.Due to the possibility of medical care as well as the multitude of self-help options, iodine intolerance normally has a good prognosis. If the patient reacts already at the first irregularities, an improvement can be achieved quickly.
Prevention
Iodine intolerance is most likely to be counteracted by moderate consumption of foods containing iodine. If products containing iodine are consciously avoided, symptoms usually no longer occur. The onset of an intolerance can be prevented by a few simple measures that reduce the general risk of allergy. For example, all vaccinations recommended by the Standing Commission on Vaccination should be carried out. In addition, regular hand washing and the use of special care products for people with iodine intolerance will help. In general, all allergens should be avoided, although this has been difficult with iodine due to the fluctuating information on iodine content in foods. Telephone information services and the Internet, and now also many magazines, provide up-to-date information on iodine-containing products and ways to avoid contact with them. In the case of an existing intolerance, complete avoidance of iodine is recommended. If contact with iodine nevertheless occurs, whether through diet, X-rays, or medications, a physician should be consulted as soon as possible.
Follow-up
The measures of follow-up care are usually severely limited in the case of iodine intolerance. Therefore, the focus is on rapid diagnosis and treatment of the disease to prevent further complications or further worsening of symptoms. The earlier the iodine intolerance is detected, the better the further course of the disease usually is. The affected person should consult a doctor at the first symptoms and signs of the disease, so that the intolerance can be detected quickly. Since iodine intolerance is also hereditary in some cases, genetic testing and counseling may be useful if the patient wishes to have children in order to prevent the recurrence of the disease in their descendants. As a rule, iodine intolerance is treated by proper dietary changes. In doing so, affected individuals should follow the doctor’s instructions and avoid certain foods. In the case of an increased intake of iodine, medication can also be used to alleviate the symptoms. Attention should always be paid to the correct dosage and also to regular use. Since this intolerance can usually affect the entire body, regular examinations of the internal organs should be performed.
This is what you can do yourself
Treatment of iodine intolerance is primarily limited to avoiding iodine and iodine-containing foods. Affected persons are advised to draw up a diet plan together with their family doctor or a nutritionist. A diet facilitates the avoidance of corresponding products and also contributes to a healthy and balanced diet. This also strengthens the immune system and the allergic reactions are less intense in case of doubt. In the long term, only a vaccination by the family doctor helps against iodine intolerance. Rarely, intestinal rehabilitation can eliminate or at least weaken the intolerance. Appropriate measures are best carried out in consultation with a medical doctor so that complications do not arise later. However, the most effective remedy against allergic reactions is the complete avoidance of iodine. If iodine is nevertheless ingested once, treatment of the individual symptoms is necessary. Itching, rash and other skin reactions are treated with over-the-counter antihistamines from the pharmacy. A good alternative from nature is calendula oil. Exercise or a cool shower help against fatigue and drowsiness. Short showers also prevent coughing, lethargy and some other symptoms of iodine allergy.
