In an acute asthma episode in a dental setting, which medication is most appropriate to administer?

• A. Salbutamol inhaler
• B. Ibuprofen
• C. Amoxicillin
• D. Saline nasal spray

Answer: (A)

When a patient has an acute asthma episode, the priority is to rapidly relieve the narrowing of the airways. A fast-acting inhaled bronchodilator does this best, because it quickly relaxes the smooth muscles in the bronchi, opening the airways and improving breathing. Salbutamol inhaler fits this need perfectly; as a short-acting beta-2 agonist, it works within minutes to reduce wheeze and breathlessness. In a dental setting, deliver two puffs using a spacer if available, and repeat every five minutes up to three doses, then reassess. If there’s no improvement after the third dose or if the patient worsens, seek emergency help and provide oxygen if available. The other options don’t address the underlying bronchoconstriction: ibuprofen treats pain and inflammation, not an asthma attack; amoxicillin is an antibiotic; saline nasal spray targets nasal symptoms, not the acute lower-airway obstruction.