Rosh Emergency Medicine Practice Test 2025 - Free Emergency Medicine Practice Questions and Study Guide

The first-line treatment for anaphylaxis is epinephrine. Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur rapidly, and epinephrine is crucial because it acts quickly to reverse the symptoms of anaphylaxis. It works by causing vasoconstriction, which helps to increase blood pressure, and it also relaxes bronchial smooth muscle to alleviate respiratory distress. Additionally, epinephrine reduces vascular permeability, which helps to minimize swelling and hives.

In cases of anaphylaxis, it is important to administer epinephrine promptly, typically intramuscularly, as delay can lead to worsening symptoms and complications. Its efficacy in treating life-threatening symptoms of anaphylaxis marks it as the most critical intervention in this emergency situation. Other treatments may play a role in supportive care or symptom management but should not replace epinephrine in cases where anaphylaxis is suspected.