What is the primary treatment for an anaphylactic reaction?

The primary treatment for an anaphylactic reaction is the administration of epinephrine. Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate intervention. Epinephrine works quickly by constricting blood vessels, which helps to increase blood pressure, and by relaxing the muscles in the airways, allowing for easier breathing. It also reduces swelling and hives, addressing some of the most critical symptoms of anaphylaxis.

While steroids, antihistamines, and oxygen can be necessary components of management and supportive care for anaphylaxis, they do not act quickly enough to resolve the severe symptoms associated with anaphylactic shock. Steroids can help reduce inflammation over time but take hours to have a noticeable effect, antihistamines are less effective in treating the acute symptoms of anaphylaxis, and oxygen support may be needed if there are respiratory issues, but it does not address the underlying cause of the reaction. Therefore, epinephrine is the first-line and most critical treatment in this emergency setting.