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Salicylates are chemicals found naturally in plants
and are a major ingredient of aspirin and other pain-relieving
medications. They are also found in many fruits and
vegetables, as well as many common health and beauty
products.
What
Are the Symptoms?
Some
people have a low level of tolerance to salicylates
and may have reactions if more than a small amount is
consumed at one time. Symptoms of salicylate sensitivity
vary but may include:
Asthma-like
symptoms, such as trouble breathing and wheezing
Headaches
Nasal congestion
Changes in skin color
Itching, skin rash or hives
Swelling of the hands, feet, and face
Stomach pain
In severe cases, salicylate sensitivity can lead to
anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction involving a
severe drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness,
and organ system failure. Avoiding products that contain
salicylates is the best defense against a reaction.
Reviewed
by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Department of
Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine.
Edited
by Charlotte E. Grayson, MD, Feb. 2004, WebMD.
Portions
of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2004
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