Which medical emergency may require adrenaline?

• A. Anaphylactic shock
• B. Asthma attack
• C. Hypoglycemic coma
• D. Syncope

Answer: (A)

In severe allergic reactions, adrenaline is used because it can rapidly counter the life-threatening features of anaphylaxis. It works on multiple fronts to restore breathing and circulation: constricts blood vessels to raise blood pressure and reduce swelling, increases heart output, and relaxes the muscles around the airways to relieve bronchospasm. This combination helps keep the airway open and stabilizes circulation quickly, which is why adrenaline is the go-to treatment for anaphylactic shock.

Other emergencies are managed differently: an asthma attack is typically treated with inhaled bronchodilators to open the airways; a hypoglycemic coma requires glucose to raise blood sugar; and syncope (fainting) is addressed with positioning, fluids, and monitoring rather than adrenaline.