Question

Kassie is stung on the neck by a wasp. Because she is allergic to wasp venom, her throat begins to swell and her respiratory passages constrict. Would acetylcholine or epinephrine be more helpful in relieving her symptoms? Why?

Answer 1

Epinephrine would be more effective than acetylcholine for Kassie's allergic reaction because it treats anaphylaxis by raising blood pressure, improving breathing, and reducing swelling.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the case of Kassie, who is experiencing an allergic reaction with symptoms such as throat swelling and respiratory passage constriction due to a wasp sting, epinephrine would be more helpful than acetylcholine in relieving her symptoms. Epinephrine is the medication of choice for treating anaphylaxis, a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction, because it can rapidly counteract the effects of the allergen. It works by constricting blood vessels to raise blood pressure, relaxing the smooth muscles of the lungs to improve breathing, modulating heart rate, and reducing swelling to prevent airway blockage.