Treating Anaphylaxix

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usually involve the
respiratory and cardiovascular systems, that is where emergency treatment is
focused. In the cardiovascular system, a combination of vasodilatation,
increased vascular permeability, tachcycardia, and arrhythmias can lead to
severe hypotension. In the respiratory system, the swelling of tissues along
with bronchospasm and increased mucus production are the main cause of death.
So, if untreated, anaphylaxis can be fatal as a result of the body's going into
what is essentially shock, while simultaneously (and more importantly) being
deprived of the oxygen needed to sustain life.

As of today there is one universally accepted treatment for acute anaphylaxis.
Epinephrine. Epinephrine is both an alpha and a beta agonist. This makes it
the drug optimally suited to treat anaphylaxis. "Epinephrine will increase
vascular resistance, reduce vascular permeability, produce bronchodilation and
increase cardiac output." (Emergency, 10/93)

Epinephrine will directly ...

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