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**After iodine therapy**
Radioactive iodine or **iodine therapy** is a type of internal radiotherapy and targeted therapy for the treatment of thyroid diseases. In this treatment, radioactive iodine called I-131 is used. This substance (iodine) is mainly absorbed by **thyroid** cells and has very little effect on other cells of the body. On the link "Precautions before treatment with iodine" you will get acquainted with instructions that you should know before treatment with radioactive iodine... ###
**Precautionary measures after iodine treatment**
Since your body retains radiation after treatment with radioactive iodine and it disappears over time, we must take special precautions to ensure the safety of ourselves and other family members. In general, the duration of being close to others, maintaining distance and observing hygiene are the basic and key principles in the actions after iodine treatment. What should we eat iodine for treatment? After thyroid cancer treatment with radioactive iodine (RAI), patients usually ask about diet after iodine treatment....you can eat normally....it's best to drink plenty of fluids to flush the radioactive iodine out of your body....-eat normally....-drink at least 8 cups of fluids every day for 5-7 days...or hard foods like pretzels and chips until your throat heals...soft foods and water can help to relieve sore throat, dry mouth and difficulty in swallowing.. Avoid drinking alcohol... ### ** How many days is the quarantine after iodine treatment?**
Usually, after radioactive iodine treatment, you should isolate yourself or stay away from others for at least three days....but it can be up to two weeks....the length of time varies based on the dose of radioactive iodine and other factors..... According to the website of the American Thyroid Association, quarantine can be done as follows:
- Avoid returning to work for 1 to 5 days - Avoid being in public places for at least 3 days - Keep a distance of 2 meters from others for 2 to 3 days - Do not use public transport and travel by plane for at least 3 days - - Avoid traveling with others by car for 2 to 3 days - - Avoid traveling with others by car for 2 to 3 days - - Sleep for 5 days Do not share with pregnant people Do it... 11 days... Abstain - 23 days sleep in a bed separate from a child or a pregnant person... - Avoid sharing dishes with others for 3 days.... - Do not prepare food for others for 3 days.... - For 3 days when using the toilet, you must flush it 3 times... Also dry the chair completely... ### **Care after iodine treatment and when returning home**
When you are discharged from the hospital, a nuclear medicine technician will assess you for the amount of radiation you received during the treatment.. Once the radiation levels are low enough, you are ready to go home.. #### **The first 8 hours after iodine treatment:**
- Drink a glass of water every hour and empty your bladder regularly.... Men should sit on the toilet while using the toilet to reduce the secretion of urine around the area.... Wipe the toilet bowl with a paper towel and flush twice.... Then wash your hands well and rinse the sink completely.... - Keep a distance of at least one meter from everyone.... If possible, return home alone or you should choose a seat that is as far as possible between you and others Passengers should be at a distance.... Do not use public transportation in any way.... #### **The first two days after iodine treatment:**
- Separate your glasses, plates, and food containers from other family members... After using, wash them immediately... Preferably use disposable dishes for a while and throw them away immediately... - Separate sheets, clothes, bath towels, and hands and faces from other family members' belongings and wash them separately.... - Wash the area twice after each time you use the toilet, and after that it is better to wash your hands every day.. Toilet... - Wash your towels and clothes away from others...
#### **First week after iodine treatment:**
- If you have a baby or a young child, ask others to take care of them.... - Sleep in a separate room for a week.... unless your doctor tells you otherwise.... - Avoid physical contact, kissing and shaking hands.... Stay at least one meter away from pregnant women and children under the age of 18... Avoid gyms and vehicles and public transportation.... # Have sex with your partner for a week... **Safety Tips After iodine treatment **
- After iodine treatment, visit your doctor every 4 to 6 weeks to check your thyroid hormone levels... - Use birth control methods for at least 6 months after iodine treatment... - After iodine treatment, you cannot breastfeed your child, because radioactive iodine penetrates the breast tissue and milk... The following are the side effects of iodine treatment:
#### Inflammation of the salivary glands
Your salivary glands may become inflamed after treatment.. This can cause symptoms such as swelling and pain.
The feeling of dry mouth usually gets better with time, but in some people it may be permanent.... To reduce the risk of this condition, you can drink plenty of fluids.... Some doctors recommend chewing gum or sucking sweets to maintain the function of the salivary glands... #### Swelling of the neck
Some people may feel stiffness or swelling in their neck for a few days after treatment... if you still have a large part of your thyroid gland... you may feel nauseous in the first days after treatment... for this problem, you can use anti-nausea medicine prescribed by your doctor... #### Stomach and bladder inflammation
This treatment can inflame the inner lining of your stomach or bladder. Nausea, heartburn and diarrhea are symptoms of gastritis.. Other complications after iodine treatment include:
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Sore throat
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Abnormal level of thyroid hormone in the form of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism
- Dry eyes or watery eyes
To find out about the **points you must follow before iodine treatment**, click on the link.... Also if you want to read the services provided in the office of **Dr. Ahmed Fanai**, click on that link...
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