Final answer:
Anaphylactic reaction, a severe allergic reaction, can be treated by administering epinephrine using an auto-injector like EpiPen®. Seek immediate medical attention after administering epinephrine. Follow-up treatment may involve antihistamines and corticosteroids to prevent late-phase reactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Anaphylactic reaction is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening if left untreated. The most important step in treating anaphylactic reaction is to administer epinephrine, which helps counteract the drop in blood pressure and relaxes the bronchial smooth muscles. This can be done using an epinephrine auto-injector (such as EpiPen®), which individuals with known severe allergies often carry with them.
After administering epinephrine, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Follow-up treatment typically involves giving the patient antihistamines and slow-acting corticosteroids to prevent potential late-phase reactions. It is important to note that the effects of antihistamine and corticosteroid treatment are not well studied and are used based on theoretical considerations.