Kids with Food Allergies Need Quick Action

Most preschoolers with food allergies still have serious reactions despite their parents' best efforts to protect them. A new study in Pediatrics finds more than 70% of these children have a reaction -- at a rate of about one per year.

Researchers say misreading ingredient labels and cross-contamination are two of the biggest problems. The study's authors also noted that half of the reactions happened when someone other than the parents was watching the child.

Study author Dr. Scott Sicherer says, "we need to talk to the parents to make sure that everyone who takes care of the child understands all the nuances of how to successfully avoid the food."

Epinephrine is used to treat severe allergic reactions. But the study found that parents gave it to children only about 30% of the time

According to Dr. Sicherer, "It's really better, if you're in doubt, to go ahead and inject it. You're not hurting anyone, if they didn't really have to have it , but you could save a life."

Symptoms of severe allergic reaction  include swelling in the throat, fainting and nausea.