Which drug is used against anaphylactic shock because it raises blood pressure and relaxes bronchial smooth muscle?
AAn antihistamine
BEpinephrine
CAn antibiotic
DAspirin tablets
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. Epinephrine
1. Severe allergies may cause anaphylactic shock, which can potentially be fatal within 20 to 30 minutes if untreated.
2. The drop in blood pressure with accompanying contractions of bronchial smooth muscle is caused by systemic mast cell degranulation.
3. Epinephrine raises blood pressure and relaxes bronchial smooth muscle, so it is routinely used to counteract anaphylaxis and can be lifesaving.
4. Antihistamines are the usual treatment for mild allergies rather than for shock, which is why patients at risk carry automatic epinephrine injectors.
_Source: OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology (CC BY 4.0), Ch 21 "The Lymphatic and Immune System", section 21.6 Diseases Associated with Depressed or Overactive Immune Responses_
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