Final answer:
Anaphylaxis is a severe systemic allergic response that can be life-threatening. It is characterized by a drop in blood pressure, changes in heart rate, shortness of breath, and swelling of the tongue and throat. Epinephrine is used to treat anaphylaxis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Anaphylaxis is a severe systemic allergic response in which the patient may die within minutes. It is a life-threatening reaction caused by a massive release of histamines. Some of the symptoms include a drop in blood pressure, changes in heart rate, shortness of breath, and swelling of the tongue and throat, which can lead to suffocation. Epinephrine is commonly used to treat anaphylaxis by constricting blood vessels to increase blood pressure, relaxing smooth muscles in the lungs to improve breathing, and reducing swelling that may block the airways.