Final answer:
Anaphylaxis causes hypotension due to a dangerous drop in blood pressure. It is treated with epinephrine, which raises blood pressure and improves breathing. Individuals with severe allergies should carry an epinephrine injector for immediate treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Anaphylaxis typically causes hypotension, which is a dangerous drop in blood pressure that can be life-threatening. This condition, also known as anaphylactic shock, occurs in response to exposure to certain allergens that lead to systemic mast cell degranulation. This response results in a variety of severe symptoms, including respiratory distress, a plummeting blood pressure, and contractions of bronchial smooth muscle. Epinephrine is the drug used to counteract the effects of anaphylaxis, including the hypotension, as it works to constrict blood vessels and raise blood pressure while also relaxing the bronchial smooth muscles to improve breathing. Patients with known severe allergies are often advised to carry an epinephrine autoinjector, such as an EpiPen®, to provide immediate treatment for anaphylaxis when it occurs.