I am highly allergic to aspirin and all aspirin derivatives - yes its a real aspirin allergy - I understand they are somewhat rare. I was diagnoised after going into anaphalatic shock 9 times in one year and keeping a food diary during that time it turned out I had acquired an allergy at the age of thirty to aspirin. I was given a list of foods and other products that contain salicylic acid but can't seem to locate it. I was hoping to find one on th web, can you help?
The Cleveland Clinic has a list of example of foods that may contain salicylates including:
* Fruits such as apples, avocados, blueberries, dates, kiwi fruit, peaches, raspberries, figs, grapes, plums, strawberries, cherries, grapefruit and prunes
* Vegetables such as alfalfa, cauliflower, mushrooms, radishes, broad beans, eggplant, spinach, zucchini, broccoli and peppers
* Herbs, spices and condiments such as dry spices and powders, tomato pastes and sauces, vinegar and soy sauce
* Beverages such as instant coffee, wine, orange juice, apple cider, regular and herbal tea, beer, rum and sherry
* Nuts such as pine nuts, peanuts, pistachios and almonds
* Some candies, such as peppermints, licorice and mint-flavored gum and breath mints
Visit the site for more information (there is also a list of ingredients to look out for on packaged foods, medicine, toiletries and cosmetics).
I know how you feel! I found out the hard way earlier this year that im also allergic to aspirin, by anaphalactic shock when i have higher doses of aspirin, and severe reflux when i have only a little aspirin.
Thankyou so much for the question (and the answers) because now i know what foods to avoid!
Seabreeze and other astringent cleansers contain 2 to 4 % salicylic acid.
There are numerous cosmetic products like shampoos and conditioners, acne creams, make-up and concealers and especially the high SPF sunscreens that have high concentrations of salicylic acid derivatives. Look on the ingredients list for anything with "sal" in the name such as homosalate and octisalate. When I use anything with these ingredients I get a sort of hive reaction on my skin and scalp and my hair actually starts falling out at the root - YIKES! It's taken me literally years to find the cause of this on and off condition, even my allergist didn't find it. It's good to know that I'm not alone with this problem. I was beginning to think I was crazy until I finally figured it out.
It's so good to hear of other people who have been struggling for years like I did before I realised what was making me feel so ill. I knew I had asprin allergy but had no idea that salicylic acid was the cause and is found in so many food types. I am continually aware of what Im eating and what I need to avoid - the trouble is, it seems to be an ingredient of almost everything! I am hoping to be referred to a specialist where I can get more information, although to be honest, I think the internet is what has helped me most! Just wanted to say thanks really!
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I am allergic to aspirin, but eat many of the foods on this list without problem. Is it common that a person can still eat the foods, but not take actual aspirin?