How to Diagnose an Iodine Allergy

Iodine is a trace element that occurs naturally in the human body. Allergic reactions often construed as iodine allergies are actually reactions to the muscle protein in shellfish. Despite the technicalities, allergic reactions is frightening and sometimes fatal. Learn to diagnose an allergic reaction and you may save someone's life someday.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Ask how long ago the affected person came in contact with shellfish. Allergic reactions happen within thirty minutes after ingesting the reactive protein.

2. Look for swelling the person's soft tissues. Examine their lips, mouth, tongue and throat. If there is swelling in any of these areas, proceed immediately to the emergency room. Continued swelling in the throat blocks the person's airway, making it impossible for them to breath.

3. Check for indications of internal irritation or swelling, such as coughing, wheezing, vomiting or diarrhea. Even if outward signs of swelling are not present, if any of these symptoms manifest go to the emergency room. These symptoms are signs of a worsening and possible life-threatening internal condition.

4. Look for signs of a runny nose and itchy, watery or red eyes. These symptoms indicate an allergic reaction. If the person has recently come in contact with shellfish, the reaction could be to the fish.

5. Call 911 if someone is highly allergic and having a whole-body allergic reaction known as anaphylactic shock. Symptoms set in within minutes of eating or even touching the shellfish. Visible swelling occurs followed by low blood pressure, loss of consciousness and respiratory distress or failure. Some people who are susceptible to allergic reactions carry epinephrine with them. If that's the case, tell the 911 operator about the epinephrine and ask them if you are able to help administer the drug.

6. Gather information for the EMT or emergency room doctor. This makes it easier for the medical professional to decide on an appropriate course of action. Ask the following questions: What exactly was eaten? How much was eaten before the reaction occurred? How long after eating did the reaction occur? Has this reaction ever happened before? Was there any substance ingested in response to the reaction, such as an anti-histamine? If so, what was the substance, how much was taken and how long ago was it taken? Did the substance ease any of the symptoms? How was the shellfish cooked and stored?