Hey everyone!

Painkillers, anti-inflammatories, they are called Aspegic, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Advil, Nurofen, and they contain salicylates (or salicylic acid or acetylsalicylic acid). Many patients take treatments containing salicylates without knowing it.

I have always been intolerant to salicylates, but I only understood it once I had permanent sequelae. It was too late.

Preventing and informing people of this risk of intolerance is essential for me. Doctors, in particular, should be better informed of the risks of this type of medicine.

When the doctors examined my pericarditis, I first received classic treatment with colchicine and very high doses of Aspegic for three weeks.

I very quickly felt adverse effects, namely tinnitus, dizziness, hearing loss, headaches. But the doctors did not believe me. They examined an ear infection and gave me antibiotics (which are also dangerous in combination with colchicine).

From this medical error, which also greatly aggravated my condition, I will have lifelong vertigo and tinnitus.

I have since realized that I am one of the salicylates intolerant people, that is to say that I am unable to absorb a normal amount of salicylates without adverse effects.

It's also important to know about salicylates so you don't risk an overdose. Salicylates are ototoxic (ie toxic to the ears) and can affect the auditory system and lead to hearing loss, tinnitus and vertigo.

In addition to the drugs mentioned above, I have personally reacted to the following products: rosemary, propolis, certain essential oils, a product against canker sores called Pyralvex. I'm wary of turmeric supplements because generally speaking, anything claimed to be anti-inflammatory contains salicylates. Cumin and black pepper are also cited as being high in salicylates. Finally, salicylates are hiding in our food. For example, blueberries contain a lot of it and I had to reduce my consumption of these berries that I love.

For those interested, The Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH) elimination diet protocol (I believe there is still a guide available online) is a great guide to implement a low salicylate and low histamine diet to see if it’s right for you but they recommend doing so with the guidance of a professional to ensure safety and adequate nutrition.

Read the notices and precautions for use of the drugs carefully. And in case of tinnitus and vertigo, ask yourself about the threshold of salicylates not to be exceeded for you.

YOU DESERVE LOVE, SUPPORT AND UNDERSTANDING.

Pericordially yours,

Vali