What is the treatment of choice for anaphylaxis?

The treatment of choice for anaphylaxis is epinephrine. Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur rapidly after exposure to an allergen. Epinephrine acts on alpha and beta-adrenergic receptors, leading to several critical physiological responses.

Specifically, it causes vasoconstriction, which increases blood pressure and helps counteract the severe hypotension commonly seen in anaphylaxis. It also relaxes bronchial smooth muscle, leading to bronchodilation, which helps alleviate respiratory distress. Additionally, epinephrine decreases vascular permeability, reducing edema and swelling associated with anaphylaxis.

Given its rapid onset of action and its essential role in reversing the life-threatening components of anaphylaxis, epinephrine is recognized as the first-line and most crucial treatment in these emergency situations.