Final answer:
Most patients who die of anaphylaxis do so within the first 30 minutes following exposure if left untreated. Epinephrine is used to counteract the effects of anaphylaxis and can be lifesaving.
Step-by-step explanation:
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. Most patients who die of anaphylaxis do so within the first 30 minutes following exposure if left untreated. It is caused by the release of histamines and systemic mast cell degranulation in response to allergens, which results in a drop in blood pressure and contractions of bronchial smooth muscle.
To counteract the effects of anaphylaxis, patients with severe allergies are encouraged to carry automatic epinephrine injectors with them at all times. Epinephrine helps raise blood pressure, relax bronchial smooth muscle, modulate heart rate, and reduce swelling, potentially saving lives.