Salicylate sensitivity is any adverse effect that occurs when a usual amount of salicylate is ingested. People with salicylate intolerance are unable to consume a normal amount of salicylate without adverse effects. Salicylate sensitivity differs from salicylism, which occurs when an individual takes an overdose of salicylates. Salicylate overdose can occur in people without salicylate sensitivity, and can be deadly if untreated. For more information, see aspirin poisoning. Salicylates are derivatives of salicylic acid that occur naturally in plants and serve as a natural immune hormone and preservative, protecting the plants against diseases, insects, fungi, and harmful bacteria. Salicylates can also be found in many medications, perfumes and preservatives. Both natural and synthetic salicylates can cause health problems in anyone when consumed in large doses. But for those who are salicylate intolerant, even small doses of salicylate can cause adverse reactions.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of salicylate sensitivity are:
There are no laboratory or skin testingmethods for testing salicylate sensitivity. Provocative challenge is one method of obtaining reliable diagnosis. Provocative challenge is intended to induce a controlled reaction as a means of confirming diagnosis. During provocative challenge, the person is given incrementally higher doses of salicylates, usually aspirin, under medical supervision, until either symptoms appear or the likelihood of symptoms appearing is ruled out. Skin allergypatch testing, whereby the suspected allergen is put on your back and left on for one to three full days, can be used to determine salicylate sensitivity. This may be performed by a dermatologist or allergen specialist. The severity of reaction is an indicator of the strength of the intolerance or allergy. This is generally placed on your back, and may be one of several potential allergens tested simultaneously. This method is generally used for testing of sole ingredients rather than a specific item.
Treatment
Salicylate sensitivity can be treated with the use of low-salicylate diets, such as the Feingold Diet and Failsafe Diets. The Feingold Diet removes artificial colors and preservatives and salicylates, whereas the Failsafe Diet removes salicylates, as well as amines and glutamates. The range of foods that have no salicylate content is very limited, and consequently salicylate-free diets are very restricted. Montelukast is one form of treatment used in aspirin-intolerant asthma.
History
An important salicylate drug is aspirin, which has a long history. Aspirin intolerance was widely known by 1975, when the understanding began to emerge that it is a pharmacological reaction, not an allergy.
Terminology
Depending on whether the salicylate is a component of food or medicine, salicylate intolerance is a form of food intolerance or of drug intolerance. Salicylate sensitivity is a pharmacological reaction, not a true IgE-mediated allergy. However, it is possible for aspirin to trigger non-allergic hypersensitivity reactions. About 5–10% of asthmatics have aspirin hypersensitivity, but dietary salicylates have been shown not to contribute to this. The reactions in AERD are due to inhibition of the COX-1 enzyme by aspirin, as well as other NSAIDs that are not salicylates. Dietary salicylates have not been shown to significantly affect COX-1. Samter's triad refers to NSAID sensitivity in conjunction with nasal polyps and asthma.
