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The first treatment for anaphylactic shock is injections of epinephrine. Anaphylactic shock is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs very rapidly after exposure to an allergen. Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is a hormone that can rapidly reverse the symptoms of anaphylaxis by constricting blood vessels, which raises blood pressure, and relaxing the muscles in the airways to improve breathing. It acts quickly and is the most effective first-line treatment for this condition.
While oxygen therapy, applying a cold compress, and administering antihistamines may be part of the overall management of anaphylaxis or its symptoms in different contexts, they do not address the immediate life-threatening aspects of anaphylactic shock. Oxygen therapy may be used later if the person is experiencing difficulty breathing, but it is not the first-line treatment. Cold compresses are not relevant for treating anaphylaxis, and antihistamines, while they can help with some allergic reactions, are not effective in life-threatening situations like anaphylaxis, where epinephrine is required urgently.