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Chapter 4

Allergies and asthma

An allergy is the immune system overreacting to something harmless. Most reactions are mild, but anaphylaxis can kill within minutes, so it needs adrenaline and an ambulance straight away. Asthma narrows the airways; most attacks ease with the person's reliever inhaler, used the right way. This chapter follows current NHS, British Red Cross and European Resuscitation Council advice on what to do, and on what not to do while you wait for help.

11 cards

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  1. A severe, life-threatening allergic reactionAnaphylaxis
  2. Where to inject an adrenaline auto-injectorOuter thigh
  3. Anaphylaxis no better after 5 minutes: you…Give a second auto-injector
  4. Position for anaphylaxis with no breathing troubleLying down, legs raised
  5. After anaphylaxis, when do they need hospital?Always, even if it improves
  6. Food behind many severe allergies in childrenPeanuts
  7. First step for a bee sting left in the skinRemove it quickly
  8. Medicine that eases hay fever symptomsAntihistamine
  9. Classic sound of an asthma attackWheezing
  10. Best position during an asthma attackSitting up, leaning forward
  11. Asthma attack: one puff every 30–60 s, up to how many?10 puffs