Dorothy FarrarAspirin-Allergie
Aspirin contains an active ingredient that can cause allergic reactions. We are talking about the acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) contained in many painkillers. The consumption of acetylsalicylic acid has an analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effect on our organism. This active ingredient also thins the blood, which can prevent strokes and heart attacks. People who show allergic reactions when taking acetylsalicylic acid suffer from what is known as ASA intolerance.
What is an aspirin allergy?
An aspirin allergy (ASA intolerance syndrome) is an intolerance to acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and similar substances from the group of non-steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The aspirin allergy is based on a metabolic disease, or more precisely, on a disorder of the arachidonic acid metabolism. For this reason, the aspirin allergy is also declared as a pseudoallergy.
The disease usually begins in the third decade of life, with women being affected more than twice as often as men. In English-speaking countries, the term “aspirin-exacerbated-respiratory disease (EARD)” is often used in connection with ASA intolerance.
causes
What the exact causes of an ASA intolerance are has not yet been clearly clarified. There are studies that indicate that an inheritable enzyme defect in combination with the upper respiratory tract can trigger allergic reactions.
However, other scientific studies cannot confirm this thesis. Experts assume that between three and five percent of the population are affected by an aspirin allergy. However, the number of unreported cases is likely to be much higher, since salicylate intolerance cannot be detected with conventional allergy skin tests.
symptoms and course
The symptoms of an aspirin allergy are very varied and can be very similar to those of a cold. The allergy progresses in different stages of the disease. The first signs are often expressed in a chronic runny nose and urge to sneeze. This is particularly insidious, since these very symptoms are often combated by the ignorant with aspirin. Other symptoms of aspirin allergy include:
- Niesreiz
- angioedema (swelling of the skin or mucous membrane)
- Decreased sense of smell
It has far-reaching consequences if the ASD intolerance remains undiagnosed. Then polyps grow in the affected person over a period of between two and five years, which can significantly restrict the airways. In addition, allergy sufferers can develop asthma (bronchial asthma).
Diagnose
The diagnosis of an ASA intolerance is made using a provocation test. For this purpose, aspirin tablets are usually administered orally to the person concerned. Another option is to give the patient the aspirin solution nasally. There is also the alternative of a blood test. Since provocation tests can lead to serious reactions on the part of the patient (up to and including an asthma attack), they are only carried out under medical supervision. It is important to consult the appropriate specialist according to your symptoms. This means: If the patient is struggling with asthma attacks, the lung specialist is the right contact person.
In the case of polyps, it is advisable to consult an ENT doctor. If, on the other hand, skin reactions occur due to the intolerance, a visit to the dermatologist is advisable. An aspirin allergy is generally difficult to diagnose. On the one hand, this is because the symptoms are relatively non-specific. On the other hand, the effects can occur with a delay of 2 to 48 hours. Depending on the amount of acetylsalicylic acid consumed and the severity of the ASA intolerance, several symptoms can occur in parallel and to varying degrees.
treatment and therapy
One treatment option for a proven aspirin allergy is what is known as adaptive ASA deactivation. For this purpose, the allergy sufferer is given a daily increased dose of ASA orally. The aim of this form of therapy is to raise the tolerance limit to ASA.
The treatment period for adaptive ASS deactivation is usually five days and is carried out under inpatient conditions. After completing this five-day treatment, the patient continues to be given a daily dose of ASA.
If well tolerated, it can even lead to lifelong intake. The most obvious therapy option is to avoid aspirin and all other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as far as possible. However, this requires intensive education of the person concerned, especially with regard to over-the-counter preparations containing NSAIDs.
prevention
But how can you prevent allergic reactions? On the one hand, it is helpful to completely avoid foods with salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is the basic ingredient in ASA. In addition to various medicines, this is also found in numerous foods. Wheat products, red wine, raspberries, dates, raisins, but also spices such as curry and paprika powder are particularly affected. The rule of thumb is: the more aromatic a food, the more salicylic acid it contains.
On the other hand, aspirin allergy sufferers should of course be very careful when buying medication. In order to prevent bad purchases, it is important that the pharmacist is informed in advance about the circumstances. Above all, common painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen should be avoided, as they usually belong to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs . In addition, it is advisable for allergy sufferers to have a special ASS card issued and to carry it with them at all times. This enables doctors to react more quickly in an emergency.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.