Which nonpharmacologic approach is recommended for asthma management during dental care?

• A. Stress reduction protocol
• B. High-intensity exercise immediately before procedures
• C. High-sugar diet
• D. Avoiding all fluids

Answer: (A)

Managing asthma during dental care relies on reducing anxiety and stress, which can otherwise trigger bronchospasm in susceptible patients. A stress reduction protocol targets that response directly by creating a calm environment, using reassuring communication, and guiding the patient through relaxed breathing or other comfort techniques. By lowering anxiety, the patient is less likely to experience airway narrowing or rapid breathing during the procedure, improving safety and cooperation without adding pharmacologic steps. The other options don’t help asthma control and can worsen risk: exercising intensely right before the appointment can provoke symptoms, a high-sugar diet offers no protective effect, and avoiding fluids can lead to dehydration without benefiting asthma management. So reducing stress is the best nonpharmacologic approach for asthma management in the dental setting.