How to Diagnose an Aspirin Allergy

Many people may have sensitivity to aspirin, but it is much rarer for a person to have an aspirin allergy. Since aspirin is commonly used to treat several ailments, including headaches and muscle pain, it is important to get your aspirin allergy diagnosed.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Take note of your symptoms after taking aspirin. If you are allergic to aspirin, you'll develop common allergic reaction symptoms. You may have difficulty breathing, itchiness, hives and swelling. The severity of the reaction will vary from person to person.
2. Check the time of your reaction. The symptoms of an allergic reaction to aspirin normally appear within a couple of hours of taking the aspirin or aspirin product.
3. Stop taking any aspirin or aspirin related products. If you are allergic to aspirin, you will have to cease taking other pain relievers until you speak to your doctor. Most people who are allergic to aspirin are also allergic to ibuprofen and naproxen.
4. Set up an appointment with your physician. Discuss the symptoms that occur after you take aspirin. The doctor may wish to send you to an allergy specialist for further testing.
5. Undergo any allergy testing that may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. This usually includes a blood test.

Tips & Warnings

• You must seek out immediate medical attention if you have a severe allergic reaction to aspirin. In rare cases, severe allergies can lead to life threatening anaphylaxis.
• Most people who have an allergy to aspirin are allergic to the salicylate found in the medication. Many foods and products contain this ingredient and will have to be avoided.