immune disorders
Anaphylactic Reactions
Treatment of Anaphylactic Reactions
Epinephrinegiven immediately Sometimes a breathing tube Sometimes fluids given intravenously Antihistamines and other drugs In emergencies, doctors immediately giveepinephrineby injection under the skin, into a muscle, or sometimes into a vein or bone. It may help relieve all symptoms. A second injection ofepinephrinemay be needed. If breathing is severely impaired, a breathing tube may be inserted into the windpipe (trachea) through the person’s mouth or nose (intubation) or through a small incision in the skin over the trachea, and oxygen (if needed) is given through the breathing tube. If the person's blood pressure is very low,epinephrinemay be given through the breathing tube. Blood pressure often returns to normal afterepinephrineis given. If it does not, fluids are given intravenously to increase the volume in the blood vessels. Sometimes people are also given drugs that cause blood vessels to narrow (vasoconstrictors) and thus help increase blood pressure. Antihistamines (such as If needed, beta-agonists that are inhaled (such asalbuterol) are given to widen the airways, reduce wheezing, and help with breathing. A corticosteroid is sometimes given to help prevent symptoms from recurring several hours later, although whether this treatment is necessary is unclear. 