Everyone knows how important iodine is for the body. Without this element, the functions of our body will not be performed correctly, and our appearance will not be so attractive. If a person suffers from a lack of iodine, then destructive processes will begin to occur in his body. However, it is very important to consider that an overdose of iodine is also dangerous. In this article, we learn about the signs and symptoms of an overdose, how to diagnose and cure it. Carefully read the information provided in order to protect yourself and arm yourself as much as possible.
Why does our body need iodine?
Iodine is considered a very important and necessary trace element for the human body. However, today, many people suffer from its lack, there are many reasons: poor nutrition, poor environmental conditions, poor lifestyle and others.
Iodine takes an active part in the metabolic processes of the body, and is also an integral part of thyroid hormones. What does he do in the human body?
- takes part in various biochemical reactions, and also regulates body temperature;
- iodine is involved in the metabolism of vitamins;
- responsible for the mental activity of a person, takes an active part in the neuropsychic development of the child;
- responsible for the beauty and strength of teeth, nails and hair;
- takes an active part in the general activity of the human body;
- has a direct effect on the functioning of the thyroid gland.
This microelement is not produced by our body, so it must come from outside. Please note that an overdose of iodine, just like its lack, can lead to very serious health problems. Therefore, it is very important to control the amount of this trace element in your body.
How can an overdose occur?
There are a large number of drugs that are recommended for iodine deficiency. Also, many from childhood remember how parents treated us with wounds with an alcoholic solution of iodine. In whatever form the drug is, an overdose of iodine can occur when using it. Consider the main reasons why this can happen:
- prolonged inhalation of iodine vapor;
- conscious or unconscious excessive use of iodine tincture;
- increasing the dosage of preparations containing this microelement;
- unreasonable use of traditional medicine methods.
Of course, most often an overdose of iodine occurs by accident, but the deliberate use of an excessive amount of this trace element is not excluded. For example, some girls take a large amount of iodine tincture in order to terminate an unwanted pregnancy. Sometimes people use iodine to commit an act of suicide. In this case, it is hardly possible to get the “desired” result, but with a serious overdose it can all end.
Also, an overdose can occur with prolonged exposure to sea water, as well as with excessive use of seafood.
Overdose of iodine: symptoms
There are a huge number of symptoms that will indicate an excess of iodine. Signs will depend on how it got into the human body. It is also very important to consider the individual characteristics of each person. After all, the occurrence of allergic reactions to this microelement is also possible. There are three forms of iodine poisoning, the symptoms of which vary. But there are general signs of an overdose:
- temperature rises;
- loss of appetite;
- not enough air;
- fingers tremble finely.
Chronic intoxication
A chronic overdose of iodine in the body develops if a person regularly takes iodine-containing drugs, or works in the workplace. In this case, the symptoms will be very smooth. First of all, the thyroid gland will be disrupted, so a person will begin to experience various diseases associated with it.
In addition, the patient will also experience the following symptoms:
- Decreased body defenses. A person very often and for a long time suffers from colds and infectious diseases.
- Very often, various rashes and acne occur on the skin.
- Visual impairment is also possible. With an overdose in patients, conjunctivitis, blepharitis, as well as many other pathologies of the organs of vision, are very often observed.
Acute oral poisoning
Symptoms of an overdose of iodine in the body with acute oral poisoning are very diverse. In this case, an overdose is observed if the person has taken an excessive amount of drugs containing iodine. For example, I drank tincture of iodine. Then:
- dizziness, nausea, as well as an increase in body temperature are observed;
- there is bad breath, the mucous membrane of the oral cavity will acquire a brownish tint; a metallic taste is observed, and the patient will be tormented by a constant feeling of thirst;
- many patients complain of sore throat and loss of voice;
- signs of an overdose of iodine should also include vomiting with a yellowish or lilac shade of vomit;
- itching acne occurs;
- the digestive tract is disturbed;
- a strong cough occurs.
There are also a large number of other signs. However, it is very important to pay attention not to each of them individually, but to everything in a complex.
If the case of poisoning is very severe, then there may also be an increase in goiter, protrusion of the eyes, inflammation of the internal organs, the occurrence of asthma attacks, as well as a shock condition.
Overdose resulting from inhalation of iodine vapor
How to recognize intoxication with iodine vapor? Arise:
- headaches and dizziness;
- runny nose, cough, and excessive lacrimation;
- severe burning in the larynx;
- the oral cavity and tongue become brown.
As you can see, there are indeed a huge number of signs indicating an overdose of iodine. It is very important to pay attention to them in time in order to start treatment on time.
Diagnostic Features
In order to confirm (or make) a diagnosis of an iodine overdose, it is important to consult a doctor. The specialist will ask you about all the drugs you use and their dosage, as well as about the conditions of your work and what foods you eat. The patient must necessarily tell the doctor about all the symptoms that he discovered in himself. In this case, hiding something is pointless.
Already from the words of the patient, you can determine the presence of an overdose. However, for an accurate diagnosis, it is very important to pass urine and blood for analysis.
Excess iodine during pregnancy
An overdose of iodine during pregnancy is as dangerous as its lack. However, this phenomenon is extremely rare. Basically, this happens if a pregnant woman suffers from diseases of the thyroid gland. In the presence of hyperthyroidism, the level of iodine in the body begins to increase sharply, and this is dangerous for both the woman herself and her unborn baby. Keep in mind that an excessive amount of iodine in the mother’s body can have a negative effect on the development of the fetus, and the course of pregnancy, so carefully monitor your health indicators.
Treatment features
Signs of an overdose of iodine in the body signal that the patient needs to urgently begin treatment. The sooner he does this, the greater the likelihood that irreversible changes will not begin to occur in his body. If there are signs of overdose, be sure to call an ambulance team. Health workers will take all first aid measures and take you to the hospital. What is included in the treatment process:
- the use of forced diuresis;
- the use of intravenous solutions that can cope with dehydration;
- the use of special drugs that can remove excess iodine from the body;
- if the patient has problems with the organs of vision, the doctor recommends that the patient bury his eyes with “Dikain”;
- if the patient suffers from severe pain, then the doctor may prescribe the use of pain medication;
- if an overdose of iodine caused problems with the respiratory, cardiovascular or digestive system, it is very important to take medications that improve their activity.
Can complications arise?
Everyone should familiarize themselves with information about the danger of an overdose of iodine. If you do not begin to eliminate the symptoms of overdose on time, then the patient may have very serious and dangerous consequences, namely:
- burns of the upper respiratory tract;
- blood discharge in the urine, as well as a decrease in the amount of urine itself;
- malfunctioning of the excretory system;
- diseases of the lungs and bronchi, including chronic respiratory failure.
Reviews of doctors and patients
According to doctors, most often they are addressed to patients with a chronic overdose. Usually, people themselves prescribe medications containing iodine, as they think that it is not enough in their body. However, the result is only its surplus. Usually the symptoms of this condition are pronounced, so it is easy to recognize what exactly is the reason for their occurrence.
Patients in their reviews note that it is very easy to get rid of an overdose if you go to the hospital on time. If the overdose has become chronic, then even serious treatment may be required in a hospital setting. Therefore, if you notice that after using iodine-containing products, your condition only worsens, immediately stop using them and go to the hospital.
conclusions
An overdose of iodine is a very dangerous condition that can lead to serious consequences. If the doctor recommended that you take iodine-containing drugs, clearly follow the dosage, do not self-medicate. Keep the medicine away from children, as their innocent games can lead to very serious consequences.