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Warning-sign checks

Iodine poisoning: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services now if an iodine exposure is followed by:

    • Difficulty breathing, noisy breathing, or swelling of the mouth or throat
    • Collapse, fainting, a seizure, severe confusion, or inability to stay awake
    • Severe chest or abdominal pain
    • Repeated vomiting, vomiting blood, or signs of shock

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact a poison center immediately after a significant or uncertain ingestion of concentrated iodine, even if there are no symptoms yet.

    Do not wait for routine office hours.

    Prompt medical advice is also appropriate after eye exposure, inhalation of fumes, a large skin exposure, or any exposure involving a young child.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine follow-up if you later develop a racing or irregular heartbeat, unusual tiredness, heat or cold intolerance, unexplained weight change, neck swelling, or continuing swallowing problems.

    These may indicate a thyroid change or a delayed effect of tissue injury.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Iodine poisoning. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.