Salicylate sensitivity

Salicylate sensitivity, also known as salicylate intolerance, is any <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adverse_effect" title="Adverse effect" >adverse effect</a> that occurs when a normal amount of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salicylic_acid" title="Salicylic acid" >salicylate</a> is introduced into a person's body. People with salicylate intolerance are unable to consume a normal amount of salicylate without <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adverse_effect" title="Adverse effect" >adverse effects</a>.

Salicylate sensitivity differs from salicylism, which occurs when an individual takes an<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overdose" title="Overdose" class="mw-redirect" >overdose</a> of salicylates.<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salicylate_sensitivity#cite_note-0" >[1]</a> Salicylate overdose can occur in people without salicylate sensitivity, and can be deadly if untreated. For more information, see <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspirin_poisoning" title="Aspirin poisoning" >aspirin poisoning</a>.

Salicylates are derivatives of salicylic acid that occur naturally in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plant" title="Plant" >plants</a> and serve as a natural <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immune" title="Immune" class="mw-redirect" >immune</a> hormone and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preservative" title="Preservative" >preservative</a>, protecting the plants against <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disease" title="Disease" >diseases</a>,<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insects" title="Insects" class="mw-redirect" >insects</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fungi" title="Fungi" class="mw-redirect" >fungi</a>, and harmful <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bacteria" title="Bacteria" >bacteria</a>. Salicylates can also be found in many <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medication" title="Medication" class="mw-redirect" >medications</a>,<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perfume" title="Perfume" >perfumes</a> and preservatives. Both natural and synthetic salicylates can cause health problems in anyone when consumed in large doses. But for those who are salicylate intolerant, even small doses of salicylate can cause adverse reactions.