I had an MRI last Tuesday with and without contrast. When the contrast was administered I felt a little burning sensation at the IV point, my should itched for a few seconds, and then my throat went very dry. I had to concentrate to get through the balance of the MRI because I wanted to cough and felt like gagging. On the way home, my throat felt swollen -- but no pain. For the past week my throat has felt swollen, I have had laryngitis for three days, and have had uncontrollable bouts of deep coughing. The coughing is worse when I lay down. I coughed so hard a few minutes ago that I vomited what I had eaten earlier. A friend told me that I may not have a cold, but an allergic reaction to the contrast. Could allergic reactions to contrast last this long? I thought they normally lasted for just a few days. I don t have pain... I simply feel like I have a lump in my throat and a terribly deep uncomfortable cough. I just changed insurance plans, so I don t have a GP yet and probably won t be able to get in quickly to see anyone. How can I tell if I have something more serious that a bad cold?