CT Scan) Is it correct to take steroids before CT Scan to reduce allergic reactions? (provided by the author)
In the past few decades, most nurses and doctors in Hong Kong would ask people undergoing computer scan (CT) whether they had any medical history of allergies, such as asthma, food or drug allergies. If a patient with a history of such allergies is about to undergo a CT scan and has not taken oral steroids beforehand, doctors will often recommend a single dose of intravenous steroids to reduce the occurrence of allergies. In fact, we know very little about the efficacy and potential risks of this practice.
[Misunderstandings about food allergy to shellfish (containing iodine)]
If a patient has an allergic reaction to shellfish, he will also have an allergic reaction to the computer developer used in the computer scan. Therefore, it is necessary to take steroids before the scan to reduce the allergic reaction. This is incorrect! Although shellfish contain iodine, iodine is not the cause of allergies toCT Scan. The main allergen in shellfish is the protein in its muscle and has nothing to do with iodine. People's allergic reactions to contrast media containing iodine are mainly caused by the contrast media molecules and have nothing to do with iodine.
【Latest suggestions】
The American College of Radiology believes that taking steroids before a computer scan does not prevent all allergic reactions, and there is no data to show that steroids can reduce moderate or severe allergic reactions and mortality. So, in the latest guidelines, steroids are not recommended even if the patient is allergic to shellfish, multiple medications and foods, or has asthma or seasonal allergies.
The only situation in which steroids are recommended is if the patient has had a moderate allergic reaction to iodinated contrast media. If a patient has previously had a severe allergic reaction to a contrast agent, we recommend not using the relevant contrast agent. Instead, choose alternatives such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound (USG) examination.
In fact, steroids are also drugs, although short-term use is not risky. But if there is no need, it can be waived.
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