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I am an RN who was diagnosed with Salicylate Intolerance in 2005. In September of that year I developed a swollen face (angioedema), and antihistamines did not reduce the swelling. By mid-October I was vomiting every evening and I lost weight rapidly and dropped from a size 16 to 8 in clothes! Various physicians and a private allergist later and no diagnosis so in desperation and with my medical training I sought for answers. 

Several years earlier I took Aspirin on duty and while I was giving over the report, I developed a rash, with a swollen face. (The medical staff were delighted to obtain a first-hand experience of the stages of an allergic reaction. !!)

Recognising I was allergic to Aspirin I found, although rare you could also develop Salicylate intolerance. I found a Doctor specialising in allergies in Harley street who ran some test and diagnosed Salicylate Intolerance.

But more importantly, he suggested a Thyroid function test and the results were T4 of 60. The normal T4 is up to 20 and if it had continued, I would have collapsed. I was then diagnosed with Graves’ disease and optic neuropathy. 

It was very difficult at first to clear my system of the toxins which had been poisoning me and I had to go on a strict salicylate free regime (treatment). I also had to read all labels, avoid perfumes, chemicals, the list was endless. 

Over the years I have had several severe allergic reactions (angioedema) twice in a shopping Mall and once from a London experience event from environmental salicylate. I now carry an EpiPen in case I go into shock. Most people with salicylate intolerance will not experience these symptoms and it is probably because I am also allergic to Aspirin that I do.  

I have good days and bad even when I avoid all things salicylate there is always some build up and can be the results from a few days earlier.

Please do not self-diagnose but seek professional medical advice!