Allergy and asthma proceedings :
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Allergy Asthma Proc · May 2009
Randomized Controlled TrialEffect of the inhaled corticosteroid mometasone on small airway patency in patients with asthma.
The inflammation in asthma involves both the large and the small airways. This study was designed to examine whether mometasone delivered from a dry powder inhaler would improve those parameters thought to reflect patency and obstruction of the small airways (diameter <2 mm). Subjects with mild to moderate asthma, only receiving short-acting beta-agonists, underwent baseline assessment, and then were randomized to receive for 12 weeks either mometasone 400 micrograms once daily in the evening or matching placebo. ⋯ M. and P. M. peak expiratory flows, and albuterol use. Mometasone delivered by a dry powder inhaler improved asthma control and pulmonary function in tests reflecting both large and small airways.
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Allergy Asthma Proc · May 2009
Perception of acute airway function changes by patients with mild asthma.
The objective of this study was to compare the perception of dyspnea during acute bronchoconstriction and bronchodilation in patients with mild asthma with normal lung function who never experienced severe asthma exacerbations in the past. We studied 83 mild, stable asthmatic patients aged 18-58 years. All patients underwent the methacholine challenge followed by the bronchodilation test with salbutamol. ⋯ In conclusion, this study indicates that perceptual sensitivity during acute bronchoconstriction and bronchodilation is comparably the same in mild, stable asthmatic patients. However, some of these asthmatic patients may display a diminished perception of dyspnea, which can lead to the deterioration of their asthma without their noticing the corresponding symptoms. Thus, they may delay treatment for acute asthma.