Low-dose budesonide improved asthma control in mild asthma; adding formoterol improved control in corticosteroid-treated patients.

Patients 1970 patients who were > 12 years of age and had mild asthma. 698 corticosteroid free patients (group A) (mean age 31 y, 60% women) had not used an inhaled corticosteroid for > 3 months and had an FEV1 > 80% of predicted normal after inhaling terbutaline, 1 mg. 1272 corticosteroid treated patients (group B) (mean age 37 y, 57% women) were receiving < 400 ìg/day of inhaled budesonide or the equivalent for > 3 months, with an FEV1 > 70% of predicted normal after terbutaline. Data from 1947 patients (99%) were included in the analysis.