[Acute use of adrenergic drugs in asthma and anaphylactic shock in clinical practice]

There are two situations where these products may be used and their justifications are quite different. For anaphylactic shock, the treatment should be aimed at limiting the effects of the acute reduction of volume due to vasoplegia and peripheral diapesis provoked by the liberated histamine. The medullary-suprarenal hormones are the first recourse, efficacious on the alpha and beta receptors. The alpha action is of the excitative type and provokes peripheral vasoconstriction. The beta-action suppresses the contraction of the smooth muscle, but in isolation can facilitate vasodilation. This is why adrenalin is suitable for strict control of arterial pressure: Immediate administration in IM (0.25 to 1 mg), by slow I.V. (dilution 1/10) It is appropriate, where possible to restore the blood volume with a volume expander. Cortico-therapy, both general and by aerosol is used in relays. For asthma: The question is, whether to use beta-2-agonists that have an action on muscle relaxation, on mucosal oedema, also on the secretion of mucus and indirectly on liberation of intermediate substances. Acute use of beta-2-agonists is: Perhaps for a specific purpose, for example to prevent effort-induced asthma: use of a spray is simple and efficacious. Perhaps for a greater and more prolonged use to treat an attack of asthma or a bad state of asthma before hospitalisation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)