What is the primary treatment for anaphylaxis in children?

The primary treatment for anaphylaxis in children is the administration of epinephrine. This is because epinephrine works rapidly to counteract the severe allergic reactions associated with anaphylaxis. It acts as a potent vasoconstrictor, which helps to raise blood pressure, and stimulates the heart, improving cardiac output. Additionally, epinephrine relaxes the bronchial smooth muscles, leading to bronchodilation, which helps alleviate respiratory distress that often accompanies anaphylactic reactions.

While other treatments such as intravenous fluids, antihistamines, and corticosteroids may be part of an overall management plan for allergic reactions, they do not address the life-threatening aspects of anaphylaxis as effectively or as quickly as epinephrine does. Intravenous fluids can support blood circulation but are secondary to the immediate need for epinephrine in acute settings. Antihistamines might help with mild allergic symptoms but do not provide the rapid response required for anaphylaxis. Corticosteroids can be beneficial for prolonged inflammation but take time to act and are not suitable for the immediate treatment of anaphylactic shock. Therefore, epinephrine remains the first-line and most critical intervention in such emergencies.