Why does my breath smell like iodine?

Why arises smell of iodine from the mouth? As a result of the resulting pathology, iodine accumulates in the body.

A person may experience unpleasant sensations such as pain and burning in the throat, increased thirst, diarrhea, nausea, and attacks of dizziness. The mucous membranes acquire a brownish tint, and sometimes cramps occur.

Causes of iodine odor from the mouth

In medicine, this condition is iodism or iodine poisoning. Iodism can be chronic or acute. Acute occurs when a large amount of iodine is received in a short time. Chronic develops over years and has an erased clinical picture.

This disease affects workers associated with production where large amounts of iodine-containing substances are used. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 500×106 grams. Exceeding this dose is not advisable; poisoning may occur.

The reasons that influence the appearance of iodine odor from the mouth of an adult are:

• inhalation of iodine vapor both in industrial conditions and at home (conducting experiments);
• natural overdose (if you live close to the sea);
• long-term use of drugs containing iodine;
• the presence of idiosyncrasy (hypersensitivity to iodine);
• intentional use of iodine drugs internally (termination of pregnancy, simulating a cold, in particular an increase in temperature)
• any combination of the above reasons.
• Sometimes the smell of iodine on the breath is mistaken for an allergic symptom.

Another reason for the smell of iodine on the breath is diseases of the thyroid gland, such as hyperthyroidism.

The same pathology can be caused by liver diseases that occur when drinking alcohol and fatty foods.

Reasons influencing the smell of iodine from a child’s mouth:

• long holiday by the sea;
• problems with the gastrointestinal tract (presence of Klebsiella bacteria);
• taking iodine-containing medications.

Symptoms of iodine odor on the breath

Most patients tolerate iodine vapor poisoning easily. Its symptoms disappear within a short time after their onset. Less often they last one or two days. Iodine vapor poisoning is manifested by the following symptoms:

irritation of the skin and mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, which in turn provokes a runny nose and cough. Swelling and rupture of the salivary glands and skin damage are possible.

It is much worse if the patient intentionally or accidentally swallowed a large amount of this substance. In case of oral poisoning, there are signs of an irritated throat, pharynx, respiratory tract, as well as gastrointestinal problems:

• Persistent odor of iodine from the mouth.
• Vomiting.
• The mucous membranes have a bluish color.
• Burns of the mouth, esophagus, stomach.
• Kidney damage.

Complications and consequences of iodine odor from the mouth

Poisoning with iodine preparations can result in death from swelling of the larynx and lungs. Complications may occur to the respiratory system in the form of pneumonia, bronchitis and kidney disease in the form of nephritis.

This pathological condition, where there is an odor of iodine from the mouth during poisoning, leads to:

• Deterioration of vision.
• Inhibited consciousness.
• Pain in the right hypochondrium, which indicates problems with the liver.
• Weakening of the immune system.

Treatment of iodine bad breath

For such treatment it is necessary to eliminate the cause that caused the pathological condition. If poisoning occurs with iodine vapor or the substance itself, emergency assistance must be provided. You must first rinse your stomach. If this procedure is carried out in a hospital setting, then specialists use the following drugs:

Antidote sodium thiosulfate is available in the form of a special powder. Recommended for use in case of poisoning with toxicants such as arsenic, bromine, iodine salts. Contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women. Orally, two to three grams once in a ten percent solution. It can be administered intravenously with a dosage of five fifty ml of a thirty percent solution. Allergies may occur when using the drug.

Prescription of cardiovascular drugs – cordiamine, camphor – is indicated. Cordiamine is indicated for stimulating breathing. Used as subcutaneous injections and intramuscularly. For pain relief, novocaine is injected into the injection site (dosage for adults is one milliliter of a 0,5-1 percent solution). The highest single dose of cordiamine for adults is two milliliters). Seizures are reported as a side effect. For coughs, use medications with caffeine, codeine or dionine. Inject ten milliliters of a ten percent calcium chloride solution intravenously. It is administered intravenously. Five ten milliliters of a ten percent solution are diluted in an isotonic solution in a volume of 100-200 ml. The following side effects may occur: bradycardia, fever, facial flushing.

If a person is poisoned due to iodine vapor entering the respiratory tract, then inhalation containing water with ammonia or soda is prescribed. It is recommended to rinse the mouth, nose, and throat with a 2% soda solution. After stabilization of the patient’s condition, vitamins are recommended for general strengthening of the body.

Traditional treatment for iodine odor from the mouth

If it is not possible to transport the patient to the hospital, then gastric lavage is performed at home. Then flour, starch, milk, and vegetable oil are used to remove iodine from the body. The patient is given milk and water-oil emulsion to drink. Starch and flour are pre-brewed to a jelly-like consistency. The faster these products get into the stomach, the serious consequences can be prevented. The water used for rinsing may turn blue. Beetroot juice has absorbent and astringent properties, making it recommended for use in cases of poisoning.

Treatment of iodine odor from the mouth with herbs

Pour twenty grams of elecampane into one glass of boiling water and leave for twenty minutes. Consume one tablespoon four times a day.

Pour boiling water over dry knotweed grass (two tablespoons) in a half-liter thermos. Leave for one to two hours. Strain and take half a glass orally two or three times a day.

Pour boiling water over dried chamomile flowers, leave and let cool. Then strain. Take half a glass throughout the day.

Homeopathy for iodine odor in the mouth

Ubiquinone compositum is a homeopathic remedy that has detoxification, antioxidant metabolic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Wide spectrum of action. It contains B vitamins, so when administered by injection, a burning sensation is possible. Contraindicated for pregnant women. Designed for all types of injections. Can be taken orally. Once a day one 2,2 ml ampoule once twice a week

Nux vomica-Homaccord is a combined homeopathic medicine. Indicated for discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract, inflammation, and functional liver disorder. The dosage required for adults is thirty drops per day. Used in three doses under the tongue. Dilute with boiled water with one teaspoon. Allergic reactions are possible in case of individual immunity to the components of the drug. Contraindicated for pregnant women.

The drug Chitosan is one of the powerful sorbents of natural origin. It uses sprouted grains of cereals such as wheat, oats and corn as a nutritional complex. Additionally contains plant enzymes, vitamins, proteins, phytohormones. It is recommended to take twice a day in the morning one hour before meals and in the evening two hours after meals. The course of admission is from thirty to forty-five days. No side effects were identified.

Prevention of iodine odor from the mouth

Prevention of bad breath consists of careful oral hygiene and timely seeking medical help.

Forecast of iodine odor from the mouth

If you seek medical help in a timely manner, the prognosis is favorable.