What is the primary treatment for anaphylaxis?

The primary treatment for anaphylaxis is epinephrine. This medication acts quickly to counteract the severe allergic reaction characterized by symptoms such as airway swelling, difficulty breathing, and hypotension. Epinephrine works by stimulating alpha and beta-adrenergic receptors, which leads to vasoconstriction, bronchodilation, and increased cardiac output. This rapid response is crucial in anaphylaxis, where time is critical to preventing life-threatening complications.

While antihistamines can help alleviate some symptoms of allergic reactions, they are not effective in treating the life-threatening aspects of anaphylaxis and do not act as quickly as epinephrine. Intravenous fluids can be used to manage shock in anaphylactic patients but are not the first-line treatment. Glucocorticoids can provide longer-term relief from inflammation and prevent biphasic reactions but also do not act immediately in an acute setting. Therefore, epinephrine remains the most vital and urgent intervention for individuals experiencing anaphylaxis.