Epinephrine administration in anaphylaxis helps relieve which symptom?

• A. Bronchospasm
• B. Hypoglycemia
• C. Nausea
• D. Rash

Answer: (A)

In anaphylaxis, airway constriction from bronchospasm severely impairs breathing. Epinephrine rapidly relieves this by stimulating beta-2 receptors in the bronchial smooth muscle, causing quick bronchodilation. That opening of the airways improves airflow and oxygen delivery, which is the most immediate and life-saving effect for the patient.

Epinephrine also helps in other ways—alpha-1 receptor stimulation causes vasoconstriction to reduce swelling and help raise blood pressure, and beta-1 increases heart output—but these actions support overall stability rather than directly addressing bronchospasm. While epinephrine can influence glucose levels and may affect nausea or symptoms like rash as part of the broader allergic reaction, the symptom it most directly relieves is bronchospasm.