Dental Management of a Pediatric Patient With Allergic Bronchial Asthma: A Case Report Highlighting Allergen Avoidance and Anxiety Control
Bronchial asthma is among the most prevalent chronic respiratory disorders in children and presents distinct challenges during dental care due to the risk of acute bronchospasm triggered by psychological stress, exposure to allergens, and certain dental materials or medications. Meticulous modification of routine dental protocols is therefore essential to ensure patient safety. This case report describes the dental management of a 13-year-old female patient with allergic bronchial asthma who presented with acute pain and swelling in the posterior tooth region. A multidisciplinary approach was adopted, including prior consultation with the treating pulmonologist, comprehensive medical evaluation, and implementation of preventive strategies to minimize known triggers. Particular emphasis was placed on anxiety reduction, early morning appointments, continuous monitoring of vital parameters, and implementation of a latex-free protocol. As part of the latex-free protocol, nitrile gloves were used for routine handling, and vinyl gloves were modified and employed as an alternative to the conventional rubber dam to achieve effective isolation while eliminating latex exposure. Dental treatment was successfully completed under local anesthesia without adrenaline, with emergency medications readily available. The patient remained clinically stable throughout the procedure, with no respiratory complications. This case highlights the importance of individualized treatment planning and demonstrates that simple, cost-effective modifications, such as the use of modified vinyl gloves for isolation, can facilitate safe and effective dental care in pediatric patients with allergic bronchial asthma, particularly in resource-limited settings.
Authors
- Elanangai E
- Aishwarya Jethi
- Prateek Mishra
- Nikita Saini
- Elampavai Elangovan
Institutions
- Rani Durgavati University (IN)
- Sri Venkateshwaraa Medical College Hospital and Research Centre (IN)
- Victoria Hospital (IN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Cureus
- Published
- 2026-01-27
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.102367
- Primary Topic
- Dental Erosion and Treatment
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00