(KYTX) - Parents, next week is all fun and games with costumes and candy -- but it could also send you and your child to the emergency room.
Every year doctors say trick-or-treaters end up in need of medical care because of Halloween hazards and allergies.
CNN's Rene Marsh is in Washington, DC. with what you need to know.
Every Halloween three things are certain: candy, costumes and doctors say, a visit to their office.
Allergy and asthma doctor, Talal Nsouli says every year children with allergic reactions are rushed to the emergency room or doctors office, and the triggers of potentially deadly allergic reactions are the very items that put the fun in Halloween -- like the costumes.
"If you are allergic to nickel, we can start having some sensitivities, some eczema some contact dermatitis, redness of the skin," says Dr. Nsouli. "Face paint can have the same effect."
If your child has food allergies inspect every treat and its ingredients.
Beware! The fog machine at the haunted house could cause sneezing, itchy eyes and nose, and the excitement of seeing those ghouls and goblins could bring on an asthma attack.
"To put in your mouth and to breath in... this will open the lungs. All of the above can result in a perfect storm of Halloween triggers, causing a severe allergic reaction," says Dr. Nsouli.
Dr. Nsouli says prepare, prevent and pre-medicate; use your inhaler about 20 minutes before trick or treating, or take an antihistamine as directed.
Have children eat dinner first so they wont eat their candy before its inspected. Most importantly have the right supplies and know how to use them an inhaler, and for children with food allergies, an epi-pen; the prescription only shot of epinephrine could safe a life minutes after a severe allergic reaction.
