Avoid Halloween Scares for Children with Allergies and Asthma

Halloween scares are not limited to vampires and witches.

While parents of children with food allergies need to be aware of dangers lurking in Halloween treats, parents of asthmatic children also need to be vigilant by avoiding triggers while participating in festivities.

“Candy frequently includes some of the most common food allergens in children, like peanuts, tree nuts, milk and egg,” says allergist/immunologist Dr. Michele Henson of Live Oak Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. “This can be especially tricky with Halloween candy, which may not have ingredients listed on its label.”

Adds Dr. Henson, small candy bars passed out to trick-or-treaters may have different ingredients than their regular-size counterparts. Even if a certain candy is safe for your child, the ‘fun size’ version might not be.

But possible food allergens in Halloween treats are not the only allergy issue encountered on Halloween. Halloween costumes and masks potentially containing mold, dust and latex products may trigger asthma. Dr. Henson recommends washing new and old costumes before use to reduce dust, animal dander, chemicals and other allergy triggers. Keeping trick-or-treaters mask-free is also a good idea, as Halloween masks can trap dust and mold and may contain latex. Halloween-party fog or smoke-machines are also best avoided, as they can also trigger asthma in asthma-prone children, or the adults who take them trick-or-treating, says Dr. Henson.

Additional allergy and asthma tips from Dr. Henson to help children safely enjoy Halloween include:

• Don’t enter homes. Keep your child on the door step of homes while trick-or-treating. Asthma triggers in the houses of others may include cigarette smoke or pet dander.
• Watch for weather changes. Cool air and humidity can make breathing difficult for children with asthma. Make certain your child is dressed appropriately for the conditions.
• Under the weather. If you child is feeling poorly, hold off on trick-or-treating. Cold and flu symptoms can severely aggravate asthma conditions.
• Lurking food allergies. Read food labels so you know what the ingredients are before your child touches or eats the product. This means avoiding homemade treats.
• Be prepared. When trick-or-treating, be prepared for an emergency. For food allergies, carry self-injectible epinephrine. For asthma, keep a rescue inhaler close at hand.

What are you waiting for?

Schedule your appointment now to see Dr. Michele Henson at Live Oak Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Call (912) 348-4100