Treatment with radioactive iodine

Description of treatment with radioactive iodine

Treatment radioactive iodine used to treat certain diseases of the thyroid gland and thyroid cancer. The procedure is performed with the use of radioactive shaped element iodine. Radioactive iodine is absorbed by the thyroid gland, where it treats disease, destroying cells. Nonetheless, radioactivity is not spread to other parts of the body.

Causes of treatment with radioactive iodine

This method is used to treat hyperthyroidism, when the thyroid gland becomes overactive. The procedure is also used to treat certain types of cancer, including cancer of the thyroid gland.

Possible complications of treatment with radioactive iodine

If you plan to radioactive iodine treatment, you need to know about possible complications, which may include:

• Inflammation of the salivary glands, causing painful cheeks and dry mouth;
• Metallic taste in mouth;
• Dry mouth;
• Sore throat;
• Pain in the neck;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Fatigue;
• Flushing;
• Narrowing gorle;
• Abnormally high and abnormally low levels of thyroid hormone.

Pregnant women are at increased risk of developing complications. Because the procedure can be harmful to the fetus, then it should not be administered to pregnant women. Nursing mothers should stop breast-feeding for at least a week after the procedure.

How is radioactive iodine treatment?

Preparation for the procedure

• If you specify a doctor, go on a special diet. This will help the effectiveness of treatment with iodine pavysit;
• Skozhite doctor taking any medications. Some thyroid hormone drugs should stop taking the four weeks prior to the procedure. Other drugs, used to treat hyperthyroidism, you need to stop taking over 5-7 days prior to the procedure;
• Two hours before the procedure, do not eat or drink, except water;
• If you are a woman of childbearing age, the doctor should perform a pregnancy test;
• Before treatment can be performed on test Thyroid scan and uptake.

Procedure radioactive iodine treatment

You will get some pills, that contain radioactive iodine. You will have to swallow. Iodine naturally fall into the thyroid gland.

How long will treatment with radioactive iodine?

Around hours.

Will it hurt?

Procedure bezboleznenna.

Keeping the treatment of postoperative radioiodine

Radioiodine, which does not fall directly into the thyroid gland, It will be launched in the urine. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions, which may include:

• Do not eat any solid food for at least two hours after administration of radioactive drugs. Drink plenty of clear fluids (water or juice);
• First 8-12 hours after taking the drug go to the toilet every hour. This will help remove excess iodine from the body;
• Limit contact with others. Do not enter a room with babies and children. Are, at least, three meters from others. Do not stay close to other adults More, than a few minutes. You can not sleep with other people during the 48 hours after administration of radioactive substances.
• Do not give your food, drinking, or other dishes during the first week of treatment. Avoid kissing and sexual contact;
• After use, rinse the toilet twice;
• Frequently and thoroughly wash your hands;
• Resume medications for thyroid alternation 48 hours after treatment.

In most patients, who are being treated, the state of the thyroid gland to normal within 8-12 weeks. Nonetheless, In some cases, a second session of treatment with radioactive iodine.

Follow-up visit to the doctor will be appointed through 4-6 weeks after treatment. Treatment of radioactive iodine can cause hypothyroidism (low thyroid function). The disorder can occur at any time after treatment. The doctor should check the status of the thyroid gland every few months, until hormone levels become stable.

Contact your doctor after treatment with radioactive iodine

Side effects of treatment may occur, but they are rarely severe. If these symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, consult a doctor:

• Metallic taste in mouth;
• Dry mouth;
• Sore throat;
• Pain in the neck;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Fatigue;
• Flushing;
• Narrowing gorle;
• Constipation or diarrhea.