Is delayed introduction of inhaled corticosteroids harmful in patients with obstructive airways disease (asthma and COPD)? The Dutch CNSLD Study Group. The Dutch Chronic Nonspecific Lung Disease Study Groups

BACKGROUND: The institution of inhaled corticosteroids is generally advocated for effective treatment of patients with asthma. It is yet unknown what is the best time to start inhaled corticosteroid therapy and especially whether delayed introduction is harmful. PHASE 1: In a previous study in patients with asthma and COPD, we found that 2.5 years of treatment with a beta 2-agonist plus inhaled corticosteroid (BA + CS) was more effective in improving the FEV1 and the provocative concentration of histamine causing a 20% reduction in FEV1 (PC20) than treatment with a beta 2-agonist plus antichol... Mehr ...