Trick-or-Treat Your Way to an Allergy-Free...( AAAAI urges children to recogni...),Health

AAAAI urges children to recognize symptoms and carry epinephrine

MILWAUKEE, Oct. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Halloween is right around the corner and millions of children are preparing to sport their ghost and vampire costumes for school parties and a night of trick-or-treating. However, for children who suffer from severe food allergies, Halloween is a time where extra precaution must be taken.

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) asks children and parents to watch out for hidden foods that could trigger a life threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Food-related anaphylaxis leads to 150-200 deaths each year, so every exposure should be taken seriously.

Peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, milk and soy are the most common causes of food allergies in children. Eating even a small amount of these foods could trigger anaphylaxis.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include severe headache, nausea and vomiting, sneezing and coughing, hives, swelling of the lips, tongue and throat, and itching all over the body. The most dangerous symptoms include difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, and shock -- all of which can be fatal.

If any of these symptoms occur, give the child self-injectable epinephrine, call 911 immediately, and schedule a follow-up appointment with your allergist/immunologist.

Here are some helpful Halloween tips to avoid hidden food dangers:

-- When classroom parties are planned, parents can help by packing treats

from home that their food-allergic child can eat.

-- Create a "candy swap" with siblings or friends so that

allergen-containing candies can be traded for other treats such as

stickers or toys.

-- Take the focus off of trick-or-treating by hosting a costume party that

emphasizes fun instead of candy. Halloween stickers, pencils, spider

rings and stamps are great alternatives for goody bags.

-- Provide neighbors with alle
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