Thorax
-
Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical Trial
Effect of a single dose of salmeterol on the increase in airway eosinophils induced by allergen challenge in asthmatic subjects.
The long acting beta2 agonist salmeterol is very effective in preventing asthmatic responses to specific stimuli, and this effect could theoretically be due to some anti-inflammatory property in addition to bronchodilator property. ⋯ A single dose of salmeterol inhibits the allergen induced airway responses and the increase in sputum eosinophils after allergen challenge.
-
Comparative Study
Prevalence of atopy, asthma symptoms and diagnosis, and the management of asthma: comparison of an affluent and a non-affluent country.
The prevalence of childhood asthma and of atopy varies widely between countries. However, few studies have compared the pattern of diagnosis and management of asthma, or the role of atopy in predisposing to asthma between a less affluent country and a more affluent country. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of symptoms, diagnosis, and management of asthma, and the prevalence of atopy as measured by skin prick tests in Nigeria and Australia using a standardised methodology. ⋯ Although there was a similar prevalence of atopy in both countries, Australian children had a higher prevalence of asthma symptoms. Further studies are needed to determine why atopic children in Australia are more at risk of developing asthma. Such studies will have important implications for the prevention of asthma.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Randomised trial of an inhaled beta2 agonist, inhaled corticosteroid and their combination in the treatment of asthma.
Although many asthmatic patients are treated with a combination of beta2 agonist and corticosteroid inhalers, the clinical effects of combining the drugs are unknown. Studies on the early asthmatic response to allergen suggest that beta2 agonists may reduce the benefit of inhaled corticosteroids. A study of the effects of combining the drugs on asthma control was undertaken. ⋯ In this group of mild to moderate asthmatic subjects the combination of beta2 agonist and corticosteroid gave better asthma control than either treatment alone. There was no evidence that regular beta2 agonist treatment impaired the beneficial effect of inhaled corticosteroid.