allergy

Contrast Allergy Information

The immune system of the body is meant to protect the body from invasion. The body can be invaded by bugs like bacteria or viruses, or by larger objects like splinters or thorns. The immune system is meant to trap foreign invaders and destroy them before they can damage cells, using an extremely complex set of cells and body chemicals.

An allergy is when the immune system over-reacts. The invader is something that is not dangerous in itself, but is perceived by the body to be dangerous. The immune system goes into over-drive and attacks the invader by releasing very powerful chemicals like histamines. Unfortunately, these chemicals also attack the body itself, and can actually cause damage.

People can have allergies to almost anything, from house dust mites to bee stings to pollens to grass or even chocolate.

Very rarely, people are allergic to x-ray contrast when it is injected into a vein.

The commonest form an allergy takes is an itchy rash. Sometimes people feel breathless.

A worse allergy can result in swelling around the face. The worst form of allergy is called anaphylaxis. This is a dangerous condition where the blood pressure can fall.

All of these conditions can be treated immediately.

At NCR, there are always experienced medical personnel available.

Again, it is important to stress that these reactions are rare. Serious reactions occur in the order of 1 in 100,000 injections.