Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

An anaphylactic reaction primarily impairs effective breathing due to what condition?

1. Lower airway constriction

2. Upper-airway swelling

3. Pneumothorax

4. Cardiac arrest

The correct answer is: Upper-airway swelling

An anaphylactic reaction primarily leads to effective breathing impairment due to upper-airway swelling. During anaphylaxis, the body releases a barrage of histamines in response to an allergen, which causes widespread vasodilation and increased vascular permeability. This response can result in significant edema in the mucosal tissues of the upper airway, leading to swelling in areas such as the tongue, throat, and larynx. The swelling can obstruct airflow, thus making it difficult for the patient to breathe effectively. While lower airway constriction, pneumothorax, and cardiac arrest are serious conditions, they are not the direct or primary causes of breathing impairment in anaphylactic reactions. In the case of anaphylaxis, the critical issue is the swelling in the upper airway, which can rapidly progress to respiratory distress and failure if not addressed urgently.