My WebMD Sign In

Please enter email address

Enter your password

Keep me signed in on this computer

Show more Information

If you select "Keep me signed in on this computer", every time you visit WebMD.com you won't have to type your email address and password. This means that a cookie will stay on your computer even when you exit or close your browser which may reduce your levels of privacy and security. You should never select this option if you're using a publicly accessible computer, or if you're sharing a computer with others. Even if you select this option there are some features of our site that still require you to log in for privacy reasons.

Forget your password? Having trouble signing in?

Why should I
sign up for WebMD?

With a WebMD Account you can:

Track your way to weight loss success
Manage your family's vaccinations
Join the conversation

See more benefits Sign Up

Why WebMD?

My WebMD

Show Menu

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

WebMD Home

Allergies Community

Reply: ct scan contrast dye allergic reaction

Hi, simba321. I know it's been 4 mos. since your post, but I figured I'd reply and...

Posted by countryluva03813

Hi, simba321. I know it's been 4 mos. since your post, but I figured I'd reply and give you (and others) MY experience with CT scan dye. I'm sorry you went through all that, and hope you're better. Whether or not it will go away completely, I can't say, but if it goes on much longer, get yourself checked out. I don't want to discourage you, but this is what happened to me, and I'm sorry it's such a long post:

On Jan. 2nd, 2012, I went to the ER for left flank pain. I was worried I might be having kidney infarcts on the left side now, as I'd gotten them in 2005 on the right. The ER doc didn't really think I should get another CT unless the pain was really bad, because I'd had so many over the last few years, due to various health problems. After much discussion about the dangers of too many scans, he said he'd order one for the next day, if I thought the pain was really that bad. I decided it was, and also because it felt like the same pain I had when the infarcts first started, in 2005 (which eventually became a pain you'd never want to feel), and couldn't go through that again. All my previous experience with CT scan dyes were basically okay (except for the one before this last one), so I felt I'd probably be okay to get another one. I do get similar reactions to MRI dyes.

So the next day, I drank the stuff they give you, and told the techs that I got a little nauseous and had diarrhea from it. They told me I must have a little sensitivity to it. I told them that during my last CT with dye, I couldn't stop salivating, and was told by the tech then, that I was having a little anxiety attack, which I know I wasn't.

Anyway, they decided to go ahead with the procedure, and Immediately after, when my tech sat me up, my head, neck, arms, and one breast started itching, and I felt slightly nauseous and had a little headache. I told the tech about it, but he didn't seem too concerned, but said he'd put me in the changing room to observe me for half an hour before releasing me, but that if I had any problems, to come find him.

About 15 mins. later, I spotted a mirror and got up to check out myself, and saw a welt just below one eyebrow. I went to the tech and asked if that was a reaction, and he said he would get the radiologist and let him decide. While he was gone, I got another welt on my upper chest, along with a red, itchy chest and neck rash. The radiologist saw the welt under my eyebrow and said that if I was having a reaction, I'd most likely have a rash with it. I said, "You mean like this?" And showed him my neck and chest. He said, "We're going to quickly walk you over to the ER, because you're having a little reaction. When we got there, my throat started to feel like it was trying to swell. Like you, I also got the IV bags of Benedryl, and also Prednisone. A nurse stood at the foot of my bed, ready to drop it flat should I go into anaphylactic shock and have to intubate me. I was actually afraid I could die, and called my daughter to come to the ER. The meds started helping the itchyness and feeling of my throat swelling, and a few hours later, they let me go home.

It's now 4 months and 3 weeks later, and I'm STILL getting almost daily, itchy welts on my face and neck, and a neck rash, and once got that real warm feeling you get in your genitals. Only Benedryl pills have helped the welts and itching to go away.

Btw, it turns out I have kidney cysts, and still get pain in the back off/on. The ER doc had said I probably can't feel pain from them, as they're fairly small, but I do.

I'll never get another CT with dye, unless it's an emergency or I have cancer symptoms, and even then, I might decide it's not worth possibly going into anaphylactic shock for, as they say reactions get worse each time you have one done. I also get a similar reaction to the Gadolinium dye from MRIs.

P.S. I hope your symptoms go away permanently, and please post and let me know how you're doing.View Thread

Posted bycountryluva03813

2 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:ct scan contrast dye allergic reaction Hi, simba321. I know it's been 4 mos. since your post, but I figured I'd reply and...

Women's Health Newsletter

Find out what women really need.

For more information, visit the Duke Health Asthma and Allergies Center

Other Allergies Information

The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.

Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.