Iodine contrast

[AustinTink]

Have any of you ever had a bad reaction to the contrast used for CT scans? I'm having one on Friday and I'm worried about it. I have some newly discovered food allergies. So new, I haven't even been to a doc for them. But I break out in hives and my tongue swells. I'm wondering if I need to be worried.

 

[MichelleVW]

I'm a retired xray tech, and most of the contrast they use these days is pretty much allergy free. They will ask you a bunch of questions about allergies and such, so I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[AustinTink]

Thanks for the response. I told the scheduler and I will tell anyone else who asks (or doesn't!) before they hook me up.

 

[Akmayeli]

If you can eat shellfish, then more than likely you will be ok with the iodine contrast. If you do happen to have an allergy to it, they keep a very strong antihistamine close by. My Hubby is a CT and MRI tech. He has educated me pretty well on the stuff. Lol

 

[AustinTink]

If you can eat shellfish, then more than likely you will be ok with the iodine contrast. If you do happen to have an allergy to it, they keep a very strong antihistamine close by. My Hubby is a CT and MRI tech. He has educated me pretty well on the stuff. Lol

That's the thing. I never had any food allergies before. But, lately in just the past few months, I've broken out in hives and had my throat close up after eating crab and shrimp. That's what has me worried.

 

[dis-happy]

I had a bad reaction several years ago. It was my 4th or 5th CT scan with contrast (I was undergoing treatment for cancer at the time) and for whatever reason I reacted badly to the contrast that time. The worst part was getting the attention of the 2 techs sitting in the booth talking---but once I did everyone reacted quickly. Actually, they called in the crash cart; a little exciting in hindsight. Anyway, I'm still here and now make sure that every doctor I see lists the allergy to IV contrast in my file.

Suggest you express your allergy concern to the staff and pay attention to any reactions you may have.

 

[AustinTink]

I had a bad reaction several years ago. It was my 4th or 5th CT scan with contrast (I was undergoing treatment for cancer at the time) and for whatever reason I reacted badly to the contrast that time. The worst part was getting the attention of the 2 techs sitting in the booth talking---but once I did everyone reacted quickly. Actually, they called in the crash cart; a little exciting in hindsight. Anyway, I'm still here and now make sure that every doctor I see lists the allergy to IV contrast in my file.

Suggest you express your allergy concern to the staff and pay attention to any reactions you may have.

Crash cart?????

 

[disfan07]

I'm allergic to peanuts, eggs, shellfish, a few preservatives and some chemicals. I have multiple CT scans w/contrast every year and I have never had a reaction to it.

They always have you fill out a medictaion and allergy sheet before the test and I always make sure just to mention it again but they have never told me NOT to have it because of my allergies

 

[crashbb]

I'm allergic to it. Found out when I broke out in a rash that kind of looked like chicken pox after my first CT with contrast. It is in my chart so I was told I need to get a bolus of steroids and antihistamines if I need a CT with contrast. I haven't had to have a second CT with contrast, so I don't know how well these will work. The rash is not a big deal (and cleared quickly), it is just that there is always the worry that the next reaction will be worse.

 

[msjprincess]

That's how I found out that I was allergic to iodine. I was covered in huge welt like hives. I usually don't have a problem eating shellfish but I have had a reaction to lobster 3 or 4 times.

 

[dis-happy]

Crash cart?????

It's okay---they called it in to be on the safe side, but I didn't actually crash--stayed awake the whole time watching all the commotion.

You'll be fine. Think happy positive thoughts. Wishing you lots of sleep beforehand and a quick test with good results.

 

[JessicaR]

I had an allergic rection to iodine contrast 5 years ago. I am to say allergy not reaction. I am not allergic to any shellfish. Don'y worry though they handles it like pros.

 

[AustinTink]

It's okay---they called it in to be on the safe side, but I didn't actually crash--stayed awake the whole time watching all the commotion.

You'll be fine. Think happy positive thoughts. Wishing you lots of sleep beforehand and a quick test with good results.

Thanks for the kind words, and all the responses guys.

At this point I'm more freaked about the test itself than the potential outcome. I can't think about that yet.

 

[ahutton]

I am allergic to iodines, swell and break out in a rash and blister. When I had to have a CT w/ contrast I did it at Austin Diagnostic Clinic at Seton Hospital and they gave me prednisone to take in a heavy dose leading up to the test, then they gave me another antihistimine at the same time they did the contrast medium. I didn't feel great for a couple days while my body processed that stuff out, but I did not have a dangerous allergic reaction.

I made sure the nurse knew a couple days ahead of time that I had an allergy, and that I talked about it first thing when I got there.

 

[MinnieTink]

I work at a radiology facility. When a patient tells us they have that kind of reaction to shellfish (tongue swelling, throat closing) we would alert our nurse. She could then discuss with the radiologist and the patients referring dr as to whether the contrast is absolutely necessary. They would also discuss possibly premedicating with prednisone/antihistamine. Many times the referring physician doesn't even realize the patient has this allergy. Definitely protect yourself and alert your dr and the rad facility (as you have done.). Good luck with your exam!

 

[bonoriffic]

I am allergic to iodine contrast medium. You'll find out if you have a severe reaction pretty fast, and they have an emergency stop button and get you out of there real quick. In the future you just need to let them know and they usually have an alternative dye available. I'm not allergic to shellfish.