Asthma, Nasal Polyps, Urticaria / Rash (Hives) - Avoid Salicyclates

[Matman]

Following is a quote from Allergy-Clinic.co.uk

allergy-clinic.co.uk/allerg...

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Salicylates (aspirin-like naturally occurring chemicals)

Salicylates induce urticaria, asthma and nasal polyps to develop. They are found in:

Curry powder, paprika, dried thyme, oranges, apricots, ginger, honey, berries and fruit skins, tea and almonds. Salicylate sensitive individuals also tend to have adverse reactions to benzoates and tartrazine.

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Might be worth some folk seeing if a Test exists for 'Salicylate Insensitivity' in general (Asthma Nurse Comment would be useful here, if Nurse is reading this Post), THEN - if sensitivity proven - possibly an chat with a Allergy Expert.

Can't see myself cutting out most of the stuff above, unless it was conclusively determined that some / all of them were a definite 'Major' Asthma Trigger for me. (Is anyone capable of giving up Tea? Would life be worth living without it?)

[Yatzy]

Hi Matman. I'm sensitive to salicylates (it's not an allergy) and avoid all as far as possible as this is my main asthma trigger. It gets easier as you go. Salicylates slow to be processed by the body but I find when I've had a good spell I can tolerate small amounts without problems. When my asthma comes on, I can generally review the last two hours and be reminded of something with salicylates that I've eaten, or smelled..,,perfumes include salicylates...,quite a problem. Yes, tea is on the avoid list and yes, I've given it up. No worse than giving up smoking. Anything to be able to breath. Montelukast helps me, as well as Seretide and Bricanyl- can't use salbutamol (Ventolin) - salicylates included.

[Matman in reply to Yatzy]

Thanks. Appreciate insight.

[Hidden]

Hi Matman

I asked the Asthma nurse team and they said that the items listed are known to cause asthma symptoms but are quite rare.

These tests would normally only be done at a very specialist centre after a full and extensive history and involving a dietitian. A GP would not be requesting this level of detail.

Hope that helps,

Dita

[Matman]

Thanks Dita.