Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Side Effects Of Iron Medication
Question: Could someone have a delayed reaction to a medication (iron) that caused itching, chills and shortness of breath. Symptoms didn't start obviously. Some itching and chills a couple of days after the first treatment and then an insidious onset of shortness of breath before and after the second treatment. Other symptoms have resolved but shortness of breath continues. It started after IV infusions and then again after allergy test / patch test for iron the next day. No antihistamines or bronchodilators helped. However, some improvement with prednisone. Basically what I am asking is could the body recognize it as a foreign substance and start an inflammatory reaction that would irritate the lungs or the heart and cause long term effects?
Brief Answer:
Yes, iron allergy can lead to delayed type of allergic reaction.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Honestly speaking, allergy to iron is very common.
Usually it is immediate allergic reaction.
But some patients tend to develop delayed type of allergic reaction.
So you are mostly having delayed type of allergic reaction to iron.
It is basically IgE mediated response.
In susceptible individuals, on exposure to iron (or any allergen), there is IgE mediated reaction (inflammatory reaction).
This mainly affects lung, skin, nasal mucosa, eyes and lips.
Usually these effects are short-lived and reversible.
But in severe cases, they can be life threatening.
Best treatment is avoidance of iron (allergen).
Start oral anti allergic drug, montelukast and oral steroids.
Don't worry, you will be alright.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
Yes, iron allergy can lead to delayed type of allergic reaction.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Honestly speaking, allergy to iron is very common.
Usually it is immediate allergic reaction.
But some patients tend to develop delayed type of allergic reaction.
So you are mostly having delayed type of allergic reaction to iron.
It is basically IgE mediated response.
In susceptible individuals, on exposure to iron (or any allergen), there is IgE mediated reaction (inflammatory reaction).
This mainly affects lung, skin, nasal mucosa, eyes and lips.
Usually these effects are short-lived and reversible.
But in severe cases, they can be life threatening.
Best treatment is avoidance of iron (allergen).
Start oral anti allergic drug, montelukast and oral steroids.
Don't worry, you will be alright.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
