Aspirin allergy, also known as salicylate sensitivity, causes adverse effects when taking aspirin or NSAIDs, which contain salicylates. Symptoms include skin reactions, breathing problems, and anaphylaxis. There is no standard allergy test, but some medical centers offer desensitization services. Avoiding aspirin and NSAIDs is the only treatment, and those with asthma are more likely to be sensitive. Acetaminophen may be a safe alternative, but should be discussed with a doctor.
Aspirin allergy is also known as salicylate sensitivity or aspirin sensitivity. If you are allergic to aspirin, you will experience adverse effects when taking aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs. NSAIDs are closely related to aspirin and include ibuprofen, naproxen and many other drugs. Some reactions include itchy or swollen skin, cough, runny nose, or shortness of breath. An aspirin allergy isn’t actually considered a true allergy by definition, but it causes the same types of symptoms as an allergic reaction.
Aspirin and other NSAIDs contain salicylates, which are chemicals that occur naturally in plants. These chemicals are the cause of reactions in people with aspirin sensitivity. Salicylates are also found in many fruits and vegetables, cosmetics and personal care products, such as shampoo and toothpaste.
If you are allergic to aspirin, you may experience a variety of adverse effects after taking the drug or using products containing salicylates. Some of the reactions include skin symptoms such as swelling, hives, or itching. A person who is allergic to aspirin might also experience breathing problems such as coughing, shortness of breath, a runny nose, or asthma-like symptoms. In severe cases, an individual could experience anaphylaxis, which affects the entire body and can be life-threatening. Some symptoms of anaphylaxis include slurred speech, difficulty breathing, heart palpitations, and abdominal pain.
There is no standard allergy test available for people who may be allergic to aspirin. In some cases, an allergist might perform an oral challenge to determine sensitivity. During an oral challenge, the doctor gives the individual small doses of aspirin or an NSAID and monitors him closely for any adverse reactions. It takes place in a controlled environment so that your doctor or allergist can provide emergency care if needed
Individuals allergic to aspirin make up about 1% of the general population. People with asthma are more likely to show sensitivity; about 10% of people with asthma experience more severe asthma symptoms when they use aspirin or NSAIDs. For people who have chronic swelling or hives, using aspirin or NSAIDs can make these skin reactions worse.
There is no treatment for an aspirin allergy, other than avoiding drugs containing aspirin or NSAIDs. This can be extremely difficult because they are present in a multitude of over the counter medicines. In some circumstances, the use of aspirin or NSAIDs may be unavoidable.
Some specialty medical centers offer aspirin desensitization services, performed under the supervision of medical professionals. During this process, the patient is given small doses of aspirin over the course of many hours and any reactions are treated as they occur. The dose is repeated the next day, and the process continues until the patient can tolerate a typical dose of aspirin. Desensitization lasts only as long as the patient takes aspirin daily; if he stops taking it, the intolerance returns.
An allergy to aspirin can cause mild to severe problems. If an individual experiences symptoms after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs, they should see a doctor. Generally, people who are allergic to aspirin can tolerate acetaminophen safely, but should discuss this with a doctor first.
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