What substance released during an allergic reaction causes bronchoconstriction and increased vascular permeability?

Prepare for the Chicago EMT Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions, detailed explanations, and hints to get ready for your exam! Enhance your skills today!

The correct choice is histamine, which is a vital substance involved in allergic reactions. When an individual experiences an allergic reaction, the immune system overreacts to an allergen, leading to the activation of mast cells and basophils. These cells release histamine into the surrounding tissues.

Histamine plays a significant role by causing bronchoconstriction, which is the tightening of the muscles around the airways, making breathing difficult. Additionally, it increases vascular permeability, allowing fluids to leak from blood vessels into surrounding tissues, potentially leading to swelling and inflammation. This combination of effects contributes to the various symptoms experienced during allergic reactions, such as difficulty breathing and localized swelling.

Understanding the role of histamine is crucial for EMTs, as they may encounter patients with severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, where rapid recognition and treatment of these symptoms are essential for patient survival.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy