Which statement about asthma triggers is true?

• A. Dust exposure has no effect on asthma.
• B. Allergens are not involved in asthma.
• C. Stress can initiate an asthma attack.
• D. Asthma is always caused by viral infections.

Answer: (C)

Asthma triggers can be diverse, and psychological factors like stress are a recognized way it can start up. When someone is stressed, the body’s stress response can increase airway hyperreactivity and inflammation, making the airways more prone to constrict and symptoms to appear. In a dental setting, patient anxiety or stress can therefore precipitate an attack in someone with asthma, even without a new physical irritant present.

The other statements aren’t accurate because triggering factors like dust and other allergens often worsen asthma rather than having no effect. Allergens commonly participate in asthma, contributing to airway inflammation in susceptible individuals. Viral infections can trigger episodes, but they do not cause asthma in everyone, and asthma isn’t solely caused by infections; it typically involves chronic airway inflammation and sensitivity to various triggers.