Children with Allergies and Asthma and Trick-or-Treating

Food Allergy Tips for Halloween

1. Miniature-sized candy bars can have different ingredients than regular-sized candy!
2. Talk to your child about turning down cookies or other baked goods. Before you head out for the night, remind your child it’s okay to politely say no to food that might not be safe for their food allergies.
3. After Trick-or-Treating you can swap treats with your child to exchange any unsafe candy with a safe treat.

Other Irritants to Watch for During Halloween

We know that peanuts, milk, and eggs are common allergens found in Halloween candy, but they aren’t the only things to watch for. Here are a few more allergens and irritants to look for this Halloween:

• Costumes may have latex, including masks. You can also find latex used in Halloween makeup to create scars and gashes etc. so be sure to check the ingredients of any costumes and makeup.
• Nickel is another irritant found in some accessories or props. Things like fake swords, jewelry, belts, or wands can contain nickel. So be careful when choosing a costume.
• When picking out non-food items to giveaway, consider allergies to latex or nickel.
• During Halloween adventures, you may be visiting people’s homes that may have different allergens. Their black cat may add to their Halloween decor, but it can be a problem for those with allergies to pet dander.
• In addition, be aware of the chemicals that can be found in different Halloween makeup, hair dyes, and perfumes. These can cause problems for those with skin sensitivities or children that have asthma triggered by fragrances.

Halloween Airborne Allergens

Many Trick-or-Treating and Halloween events in October are held outdoors. The good news is by late October ragweed pollen may not be lingering in the air. However, there are still airborne allergens and irritants to watch for. Those with allergies and asthma should be aware of the following:

1. When decorating and pulling out old Halloween costumes, don’t forget about dust mites. Wipe off old decorations and wash old costumes before the dust causes you or your children to sneeze.
2. Leaves and hay bales can contain mold.
3. Pumpkins can also mold, so get rid of any Jack-O-Lanterns right after Halloween.
4. Haunted houses may use fog machines to make the night even spookier. Some fog machines produce fog in ways that are safer for people with asthma. If you have a fog machine, use it in a well-ventilated area.

Asthma and Trick-or-Treating

Bring your Rescue Asthma or Allergy Medication.

Are you heading out around the block or going to another Halloween event? Don’t forget to bring your emergency medication.

• Those with life-threatening allergies should bring their epinephrine shots with them while trick-or-treating, just in case.
• People living with asthma should bring their rescue inhalers with them.
• Talk to younger children about waiting until the end of the night to eat their candy. We want to help them stay safe along the route!
• Do the other adults going with your child know about their allergies and asthma? Make sure to discuss an emergency plan with them; if you are manning the candy and safe treat bowls at your own home. Show them how to use the emergency medication before they leave.

Have A Fun and Safe Halloween!

It’s starting to get chilly here in Colorado! Cold, dry air can also be a trigger for asthma attacks. So bundle up if it gets too cold out. Halloween is a fun holiday and can be fun for everyone! Happy Halloween!

Colorado ENT & Allergy is the regional leader in Colorado Springs for pediatric ENT or ear, nose, throat, and allergy care, providing a full range of the highest-quality, patient-centered services.

Please Contact Us Today for a Consultation. We’ll be happy to answer all your questions.