Aspirin allergy: What are the symptoms?

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Q:I think I may have an aspirin allergy. What are the symptoms?
A:
It's possible to have a sensitivity to aspirin. In fact, aspirin can cause a severe asthma attack  especially in people who have asthma or sinus problems. Reactions to aspirin are often related to the drug itself, however, rather than to an allergic or immunological response to the drug.

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Signs and symptoms of aspirin sensitivity  which usually occur within a few hours of taking the medication  range from mild to serious and may include:

Hives
Itchy skin
Runny nose
Swelling of the lips, tongue or face
Coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath
If you've had a reaction to aspirin, avoid all forms of aspirin. It's also best to avoid other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as well, including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and naproxen (Aleve, others). Keep in mind that aspirin and other NSAIDs are found in many over-the-counter medications  so check labels carefully.

If you think you might have an aspirin sensitivity, consult your doctor or allergist for advice. Rarely, aspirin can cause a life-threatening reaction.

Last Updated: 11/05/2008
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Aspirin/ chlorpheniramine/ dextromethorphan/ phenylpropanolamine
Aspirin/ diphenhydramine/ phenylpropanolamine