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Severe Bronchospasm Management — NDEB AFK MCQ

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ModerateMedical Emergencies in DentistrySevere Bronchospasm ManagementNDEB AFK

A patient with known asthma develops acute bronchospasm during a dental procedure. After administering salbutamol via MDI and spacer with no improvement, what is the next step?

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Correct answer: C — Administer epinephrine 0.3-0.5 mg IM and activate EMS

If a patient with acute severe bronchospasm does not respond to initial salbutamol (2-4 puffs via MDI with spacer, repeated every 15-20 minutes), intramuscular epinephrine 0.3-0.5 mg (1:1,000) should be administered and EMS activated. Epinephrine provides potent bronchodilation (β2) and reduces mucosal oedema (α1). The patient should be positioned upright (sitting) for optimal breathing. Supplemental oxygen at high flow should be administered simultaneously.

Reference: Malamed – Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office, 8th ed., 2022