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Iodine breath

Medical expert of the article

Surgeon, oncosurgeon
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

Why does the smell of iodine from the mouth occur? As a result of the pathology that has arisen, iodine accumulates in the body.

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

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Causes iodine breath odor

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

This disease affects workers involved in production where large amounts of iodine-containing substances are used. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 500x10 6 grams. Exceeding this dose is not desirable, as poisoning may occur.

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

  • inhalation of iodine vapors 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 ingestion of iodine preparations (termination of pregnancy, simulation of a cold, in particular an increase in temperature)
  • any combination of the listed reasons.
  • Sometimes the smell of iodine from the mouth is mistaken for an allergic symptom.

Another reason for the appearance of iodine odor from the mouth is thyroid disease, such as hyperthyroidism.

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

Reasons that influence the appearance of iodine odor from a child’s mouth:

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

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Symptoms iodine breath odor

Most patients tolerate iodine vapor poisoning easily. Its symptoms disappear after a short time after their appearance. Less often, they last for one or two days. Iodine vapor poisoning manifests itself with 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, 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 irritation of the throat, pharynx, respiratory tract, as well as problems with the gastrointestinal tract:

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

Complications and consequences

In case of poisoning with iodine preparations, a fatal outcome is possible due to laryngeal and pulmonary edema. Complications may arise in the respiratory system in the form of pneumonia, bronchitis and kidneys - in the form of nephritis.

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

  • Deterioration of vision.
  • To a sluggish consciousness.
  • Pain in the right hypochondrium, which indicates problems with the liver.
  • Weakened immunity.

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Treatment iodine breath odor

For such treatment, it is necessary to eliminate the cause that caused the pathological condition. If poisoning with iodine vapors or the substance itself has occurred, it is necessary to provide emergency assistance. First, the stomach must be washed. 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. It is recommended for use in cases of poisoning with such toxicants 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 to fifty ml of a thirty percent solution. Allergies may occur when using the drug.

Cardiovascular drugs are indicated - cordiamine, camphor. Cordiamine is indicated for stimulating respiration. It is used in the form of subcutaneous injections and intramuscularly. For pain relief, novocaine is injected into the injection site (the dosage for adults is one milliliter of a 0.5-1 percent solution). The highest single dose of cordiamine for adults is two milliliters). Convulsions are noted as a side effect. For coughing - drugs with caffeine, codeine or dionine. Intravenously administer ten milliliters of a ten percent solution of calcium chloride. It is used intravenously by drip. Five to 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 - an attack of bradycardia, fever, flushing of the face.

If a person has been poisoned by iodine vapor entering the respiratory tract, then inhalation containing water with ammonia or soda is prescribed. Rinsing the mouth, nose, and throat with a 2% soda solution is recommended. After the patient's condition has stabilized, vitamins are recommended for general strengthening of the body.

Folk remedies

If the patient cannot be transported 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 a water-oil emulsion to drink. Starch and flour are pre-boiled to a jelly-like consistency. The faster these products get into the stomach, the more serious consequences can be prevented. The waters used for lavage may turn blue. Beet juice has absorbent, astringent properties, which is why it can be recommended for use in cases of poisoning.

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Herbal treatment

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

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

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

Homeopathy

Ubiquinone compositum is a homeopathic remedy with detoxifying, antioxidant, metabolic, anti-inflammatory properties. Broad spectrum of action. It contains B vitamins, so when injected, a burning sensation is possible. Contraindicated for pregnant women. Intended for all types of injections. Can be used orally. Once a day, one ampoule of 2.2 ml once or twice a week

Nux vomica-Homaccord is a combined homeopathic preparation. It is indicated for discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract, inflammation, and functional liver disorder. The dosage required for adults is thirty drops per day. It is taken three times under the tongue. It is diluted with boiled water in one teaspoon. Allergic reactions are possible with individual intolerance to the components of the preparation. Contraindicated for pregnant women.

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

Prevention

Prevention of bad breath involves careful oral hygiene and timely medical attention.

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Forecast

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

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