What is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis?

The first-line treatment for anaphylaxis is the administration of epinephrine, which is critical for reversing the life-threatening symptoms of this severe allergic reaction. Epinephrine works by constricting blood vessels, which raises blood pressure, and by relaxing the muscles in the airways, helping to alleviate symptoms such as difficulty breathing. It also inhibits the release of additional allergic mediators from mast cells, decreasing further progression of the anaphylactic response.

Immediate administration of epinephrine is essential, as it can rapidly counteract the effects of anaphylaxis. Patients experiencing anaphylaxis are typically instructed to use an auto-injector, which allows for quick and easy administration during an emergency situation. Other treatments like oral steroids and antihistamines may help later or as adjunctive therapy, but they are not effective in the acute management of anaphylaxis and do not work quickly enough to prevent potentially fatal outcomes. Intravenous fluids may be useful in managing hypotensive episodes that can occur with anaphylaxis but are not the primary treatment. Therefore, the swift action of epinephrine is indispensable and makes it the standard first-line treatment in this context.