Potassium is an essential micronutrient that functions as an electrolyte and an enzyme cofactor in vital processes such as carbohydrate metabolism. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, up to 40 percent of an adult's resting metabolic rate is due to cells working to maintain proper potassium concentrations within cytoplasm. Because potassium is so vital to life and because it never occurs alone, true potassium allergies are rare to nonexistent. However, you can be allergic to one or more common potassium compounds.
Potassium Chloride
Potassium chloride is a compound used to treat hypokalemia, or low potassium concentrations. Potassium chloride is often dispensed in slow-release capsules, which you swallow whole to avoid mouth or throat irritation. This irritation is not a true allergy because it results from a chemical interaction instead of an immune reaction. However, in some people, this medication may trigger an allergy after ingestion, causing symptoms such as hives, swelling of the face, mouth or throat and trouble breathing.
Potassium Dichromate
People who are allergic to potassium dichromate may experience swelling, itching, red patches or blisters on their skin where they came into contact with the compound. According to T.R.U.E. Test, this allergy can become severe and may even require you to change jobs to avoid materials that contain potassium dichromate. Some of these substances include construction materials, tanned leather, chrome alloys, stainless steel, green fabric dyes, cosmetics, inks and paints. If you have this allergy, you should avoid even the dust and fumes from substances that contain potassium dichromate, dipotassium dichromate, dipotassium bichromate or any other chromium compound.
Potassium Iodide
Potassium iodide is a medicine used by people who have been exposed to radioactive iodine. According to the Virginia Department of Health, it may decrease the risk of getting thyroid cancer from the exposure. Allergic reactions to this drug are rare but may occur in adults who are also allergic to iodine. Like all allergic reactions, the type and severity of the symptoms can vary widely, but according to MayoClinic.com, they may include gastrointestinal distress, hives, swelling of the face, mouth and throat, and trouble breathing.
Potassium Sulfites
Potassium bisulphite and potassium metabisulfite are preservatives used in foods, drinks and medicines. People who have asthma or who are HIV positive are especially prone to developing an allergy against these preservatives, with symptoms such as increased asthma, rash, seizures and even death. According to the Cleveland Clinic, 5 percent to 10 percent of all asthmatics are allergic to these compounds. However, most nonasthmatics are not.
Anaphylaxis
As with any allergy, an allergy to a potassium compound can become severe, resulting in a condition called anaphylaxis. According to MayoClinic.com, this kind of allergic reaction usually occurs within minutes after exposure to the allergen and can cause swelling of the throat, a weak pulse, nausea, vomiting, unconsciousness and death. People who have had serious reactions to a potassium compound in the past should carry an epinephrine injector and wear a medical bracelet as a reference for others who may need to treat them.
References
- Oregon State University: Potassium
- Drugs.com: Potassium Chloride
- T.R.U.E. Test: Potassium Dichromate -- Patient Information
- Virginia Department of Health: Potassium Iodide (KI) Use During a Radiological Emergency
- MayoClinic.com; Food Allergy; Mayo Clinic Staff; February 2011
- Cleveland Clinic: Sulfite Sensitivity
- Canterbury District Health Board: Sulfer Allergy
- MayoClinic.com; Anaphylaxis; Mayo Clinic Staff; September 2010
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