What is the first-line treatment for anaphylactic reactions affecting respiration?

The first-line treatment for anaphylactic reactions affecting respiration is an epinephrine injection. Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause significant respiratory distress due to airway edema and bronchospasm. Epinephrine acts quickly to reverse these symptoms by causing vasoconstriction, which helps to increase blood pressure and improve perfusion, while simultaneously relaxing the bronchial muscles, thus alleviating bronchospasm and improving airflow.

In the context of treating anaphylaxis, timely administration of epinephrine is crucial because it can rapidly mitigate life-threatening symptoms. This is often delivered via intramuscular injection, typically in the mid-anterolateral thigh. Following epinephrine, other treatments such as antihistamines and corticosteroids may be used to manage symptoms and prevent further reactions, but they are not the immediate treatments required in an acute situation seeking to stabilize respiration. Continuous nebulization is generally utilized for other respiratory conditions such as asthma exacerbations but is not the appropriate first response for anaphylaxis.