Which emergency medication should be readily available in a dental office for patients with asthma?

Albuterol is the correct medication to have readily available in a dental office for patients with asthma because it is a short-acting beta-agonist that acts as a bronchodilator. When a patient experiences an asthma attack, their airways constrict, making it difficult to breathe. Albuterol works by relaxing the muscles around the airways, leading to dilation and improved airflow, which can rapidly alleviate symptoms of wheezing and shortness of breath.

Having albuterol readily accessible is crucial since it can be administered quickly in an emergency situation, providing immediate relief to the patient. This is especially important in a dental setting where anxiety and potential triggers from the environment or procedures could provoke an asthma exacerbation.

Other medications, while useful in different contexts, don't serve the same immediate purpose. For instance, adrenaline (epinephrine) is typically used for severe anaphylactic reactions, while salbutamol, although similar to albuterol and commonly used interchangeably in different regions, is not the preferred term in some areas for the commercially available formulation. Atropine is primarily an anticholinergic used in bradycardia and isn't indicated for asthma treatment. Therefore, having albuterol on hand aligns most effectively with the clinical needs of asthma patients