Although many people claim to
be "allergic" to aspirin,
most describe their "allergy"
as abdominal pain or
heartburn. These common side
effects are not allergies,
but rather reflect the
irritating effects of aspirin
on the lining of the stomach.
True
allergy
to aspirin occurs in fewer
than 1 out every 100 persons.
True allergy may include
hives,
itching, swelling, or
difficulty breathing. Allergy
to aspirin is more common in
persons with
asthma,
allergic rhinitis, or nasal
polyps. In such persons, the
risk of an allergic reaction
to aspirin may be as high as
1 to 3 persons out of every
10. People with true aspirin
allergy also may be allergic
to other compounds. One such
compound
is tartrazine, or yellow dye
#5. This dye is used in many
medicines, foods (such as
soft drinks), and candy or
desserts. In addition,
people with an allergy to
aspirin often are allergic to
other NSAIDs, such as
ibuprofen.
http://www.medicinenet.com/analgesics_antipyretics/page2.htm