Adrenaline and Anaphylactic Shock

Where did the EpiPen (using during anaphylactic shock) get its unique name? You guessed it; from the active ingredient of epinephrine - EPIpen.

To understand how epinephrine can help treat an anaphylactic shock, we first need to understand what it is, how and why it occurs.

Anaphylactic Shock

An often severe and sometimes fatal systemic reaction in a susceptible individual upon exposure to a specific antigen.

As described by Merriam Webster.

Some individuals have a very severe allergic reactions to things like nuts, milk, eggs, fish, etc., which through exposure may experience anaphylaxis. This causes their immune system to release chemicals that flood the body, leading to anaphylactic shock. From here, blood pressure dramatically drops, airways become narrow, and the body is under attack. If it is not treated immediately, anaphylactic shock can result in severe complications, including death.

Some symptoms include

- skin reactions (hives, flushed skin, paleness)

- difficulty swallowing

- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

- severe abdominal pain

- sudden weakness

- racing pulse

- swollen tongue and/or lips

- difficulty breathing

- tingling sensation in hands, feet, mouth or scalp

The EpiPen

If an individual is experiencing a life-threatening reaction towards some sort of food, medication, insect sting/bite, etc., then an EpiPen can be used as an emergency treatment method.

Some anaphylactic shocks are more severe than others and can happen within minutes of exposure to the object the individual is allergic to. An EpiPen is used to postpone the possibly fatal effects of the reaction until the individual can be transported to a hospital. Epinephrine is injected via the EpiPen and is used to reverse the symptoms of the anaphylaxis.

Epinephrine at Work

The epinephrine acts on both alpha and beta receptors found in the body;

• Adrenaline stimulates the alpha receptors (which are located on the walls of blood vessels) and causes them to narrow. This stops the blood pressure from dropping too low and instead redirects the blood to organs that need it more (such as the heart and brain).

• Adrenaline stimulates the beta receptors (which are located in the lungs and heart) and causes them to relax and open the airways, allowing for easier breathing. It also increases the heart's contraction rate, preventing cardiovascular collapse.

Adrenaline can also relieve itching of skin, hives, and swelling, which is why it is so effective for anaphylactic shocks. In fact, no other medicine can act on so many body systems as fast and effectively as epinephrine can. Finally, adrenaline stops additional allergic chemicals from being released, putting a halt to further progression of the reaction.