Aspirin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is primarily used to relieve pain in patients with headaches, body pain or other forms of discomfort. Some patients may manifest an allergy to aspirin. The allergy is due to the body's immune system adversely reacting to the drug. Patients who have been diagnosed with an aspirin allergy should avoid taking the drug. Physicians should be able to quickly identify the symptoms of an aspirin allergy so that proper treatment can be provided.
Breathing Difficulties
Patients with an aspirin allergy often complain of difficulty breathing when they take the drug. The article "Aspirin Allergy" in the Canadian Medical Association Journal reports that 78 out of 83 patients suffering from asthma allergy complained of aspirin asthma, or difficulty breathing. The drug causes the respiratory airways to constrict and produce copious amounts of mucus. This prevents air from moving to and away from the lungs. In severe cases of aspirin asthma, patients will require medical treatment and oxygen therapy in order to keep blood oxygen levels high.
Dermatologic Symptoms
Aspirin allergy can present with symptoms on the patient's skin. Patients may present with itchy skin and hives, according to MayoClinic.com. Hives are small red bumps that rise up from the skin upon ingestion of the drug. Once the patient ingests aspirin, special cells in the skin release chemicals that cause irritation and damage to the tissue. Patients will notice a red, itchy rash that may be accompanied by hives. These dermatologic conditions point to a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction to aspirin, and patients who manifest these symptoms should stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention.
Facial Swelling
Swelling of the face, tongue, lips and throat can be symptoms of aspirin allergy, reports Drugs.com. Patients will often notice a mild swelling that suddenly increases. The patient will feel the eyes seem puffy and begin to close. The patient's tongue will seem too large and awkward in the patient's mouth. Severe swelling of the throat can prevent the patient from breathing properly. In order to prevent severe complications, patients with these reactions should be treated as soon as possible.
Runny Nose
A runny nose can be a symptom on aspirin allergy, states MayoClinic.com. The drug can cause the body to release chemicals that increase the mucus production within the nose. Furthermore, aspirin can irritate the tissues of the nose, which can further increase mucus production. The large amounts of mucus can make breathing difficult in the patient and predispose patients to other upper respiratory tract infections. If this symptom is mild, then patients can just stop taking aspirin and the runny nose will resolve. However, if the increased mucus in the nose is causing breathing problems, then medical assistance should be provided.
