Management of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) interactions in students with asthma who visit the surgical department of the Dr. René Puig Bentz dental clinic at the Pedro Henríquez Ureña National University, May-August 2025.
Description
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used to control pain, inflammation, and fever; however, their inappropriate use can trigger adverse reactions, especially in asthmatic patients, due to NSAID-exacerbated respiratory disease (NARED or ASA triad). In the dental context, these drugs are often prescribed postoperatively without always considering the patient's systemic condition. At the Dr. René Puig Bentz dental clinic, it has been observed that students prescribe NSAIDs after surgery without comprehensively assessing possible interactions with asthma, which raises the need to evaluate their level of knowledge and determine whether their academic training is sufficient. The study hypothesis establishes that students know how to properly manage NSAID interactions in asthmatic patients, identify the associated risks, and apply correct clinical criteria for prescribing them. The null hypothesis maintains that they lack such knowledge and management skills. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in the May-August 2025 semester, with a sample of 86 students from clinics I to VI. A thirteen-question questionnaire and a five-item clinical protocol were used to assess theoretical knowledge and practical decisions. The total population for the period was 150 students. The results showed that 55.8% had a high level of knowledge, 41.9% had an average level, and 2.3% had a low level. Clinics II and V obtained the best results, while clinic VI showed the lowest level, which highlights academic differences between training levels. It was concluded that most students have adequate knowledge about the use of NSAIDs in asthmatic patients, which partially supports the hypothesis. However, the variability between clinical levels reflects gaps in advanced stages of training. These findings highlight the importance of reinforcing pharmacological content and management protocols in patients with asthma to ensure safe and consistent clinical practice.
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Steps to reproduce
The data used in this research was obtained through two main procedures: literature review and direct collection of information in the field. 1. Literature review To establish the theoretical framework and contextualize the problem, Google Scholar was used as the main academic search engine. Filters were applied to select literature published from 2017 onwards, ensuring up-to-date and relevant information. Keywords related to the topic were used, such as: “NSAIDs and asthma,” “ASA triad,” “pharmacology in dentistry,” and “aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease.” Scientific articles, systematic reviews, and publicly available clinical documents were selected that explained the mechanisms of interaction between NSAIDs and asthma, their clinical implications, and their approach in dentistry. 2. Obtaining data from the field study Quantitative information was collected directly from dental students at the Dr. René Puig Bentz clinic (UNPHU). A structured questionnaire with 13 questions and a clinical protocol with 5 questions were used, specifically designed to assess theoretical knowledge and clinical management of NSAIDs in asthmatic patients. The total population was 150 students from clinics I to VI (May-August 2025 period).
Institutions
- Universidad Nacional Pedro Henriquez Urena