Charlotte, NC – Between dodging vampires in haunted houses and listening to tales of terror, Halloween can be a scary time of make-believe. But for the four percent of children with food allergies, Halloween can be a real, horrifying experience. Holiday treats can have many hidden allergens in them, causing a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. “Common candy ingredients, such as wheat, peanuts, dairy and egg, can be problematic for children with food allergies,” said allergist Dr. Steven McEldowney, MD. “Even candy that doesn’t contain allergens can spur allergy symptoms if it is manufactured in the same production plant as allergenic foods.” Because the urge to snack on candy while trick-or-treating can be irresistible, while knowing the exact source of the candy can be impossible, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) and Dr. McEldowney have put together the following Halloween safety tips.

Charlotte, NC – Prepping your yard this fall can give you a head start on spring landscaping, but it can also mean suffering from seasonal allergies. Ragweed pollen and lingering mold can create double the symptoms for some allergy sufferers.

To help parents understand if their child is at risk for missing school days due to allergy and asthma, Dr. McEldowney and the ACAAI offer the following tips: