Final answer:
Severe anaphylaxis is a medical emergency treated with an immediate epinephrine injection via an auto-injector like an EpiPen, followed by medical care which might include antihistamines and corticosteroids to manage the continued immune response.
Step-by-step explanation:
Severe anaphylaxis is treated with an immediate epinephrine injection to counteract life-threatening symptoms such as a dramatic drop in blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and potential suffocation due to swelling of the tongue and throat. Individuals with known severe allergies often carry a self-administering auto-injector, such as an EpiPen®, for rapid administration of epinephrine in emergency situations. This immediate action helps to manage the anaphylactic response by constricting blood vessels to increase blood pressure, relaxing smooth muscles in the lungs to improve breathing, and modulating the heart rate.
Following the emergency epinephrine administration, it is crucial that the patient seeks medical attention immediately. Healthcare professionals may provide additional treatments, such as antihistamines and slow-acting corticosteroids, to manage continued immune response and prevent late-phase reactions. As allergic reactions can escalate quickly and anaphylaxis can be fatal if not treated swiftly, readiness with an epinephrine autoinjector and quick medical intervention are essential for patient survival.