Patient information on Salicylate Sensitivity Low Salicylate Diet (Part I)
Who is this information for?
This information is for patients, families and carers of individuals who have salicylate sensitivity.
What is salicylate sensitivity?
Salicylate is an aspirin-type substance, commonly found in a number of different medications and food
additives, and can occur naturally in some food substances. Sensitivity to salicylate can be difficult to
diagnose and may result in different medical symptoms.
What symptoms can I have with salicylate sensitivity?
Symptoms may include:
- Urticaria (rash)
- Angioedema (allergic tissue swelling)
- Asthma exacerbation
- Anaphylaxis (in extreme cases)
What substances can you have a sensitivity to if you have salicylate sensitivity?
You may be sensitive to the following substances:
- Aspirin
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Some food additives or foodstuffs
What non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) contain salicylates?
| Over the Counter | Prescription | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ibuprofen | Celecoxib | Ketorolac | Naproxen |
| Diclofenac | Ketoprofen | Parecoxib | |
| Etoricoxib | Mefenamic Acid | Piroxicam | |
| domethacin | Meloxicam | Sulindac |
What food additives contain salicylates?
| Food Dyes | Food Dyes | Food Preservatives | Food Flavourings |
|---|---|---|---|
| E102 Tartrazine | E123 Amaranth | E210-219 Benzoates | E622-623 Glutamates |
| E104 Quinoline yellow | E124 Ponceau 4 R | E220 Sulphur dioxide | |
| E107 Yellow 2G | E132 Indigo carmine | E221-227 Sulphites | |
| E120 Cochineal, | E127-180 Other food | E250-251 Nitrites. | |
| Carmine | dyes | nitrates | |
| E122 Carmoisine | E310-312 Gallates | ||
| E320-321 BHA and BHT |
What is a low salicylate diet?
- Some patients who are sensitive to aspirin and NSAIDs may get symptoms after eating foods that
contain salicylates. - Patients with known aspirin allergy should not automatically avoid foods that contain salicylates.
- Research has shown that most aspirin-sensitive asthmatics are not affected by high salicylate foods.
- A low salicylate diet requires reduction of foods that are high in salicylate.
- If after a month on the diet you feel no difference, recommence a normal diet.
- If after a month you feel a reduction in symptoms, reintroduce some high salicylate foods one at a
time, and leave those foods that cause symptoms out of the diet.
Concerns or questions?
You can contact your ENT Specialist at the Melbourne ENT Group (MEG):
- Phone: 1300- 952-808
- Email: admin@melbentgroup.com.au
- Website: www.melbentgroup.com.au
Your GP is also the best contact for ongoing care and concerns.