Corticosteroids in Asthma

INTERVENTION: Adults with stable asthma will be randomised to receive a 10 day course of either 1 x Prednisolone 25mg oral capsule twice daily or 1 x placebo oral capsule twice daily and after a 6 week wash out period subjects will begin a 10 day course of the alternate treatment. CONDITION: Asthma PRIMARY OUTCOME: Serum Leptin levels Serum Osteocalcin levels Subject body weight (kg) to nearest 100g using NU Weigh Log842 scales and weighing in light clothing SECONDARY OUTCOME: Body composition ‐ changes in fat, lean muscle and fluid compartments using whole body scans from dual energy x‐ray absoptiometry (DEXA) GE Lunar machine. Dietary Intake in kJ measured by 4 day food records and 24hr recalls. Records will be analysed by Foodworks nutritional analysis software (Xyris). A change in intake of 2000 kJ will be considered significant. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Adults with stable asthma not currently taking oral corticosteroid medication or other medications known to interact with them. No asthma exacerbation, respiratory tract infection or oral corticosteroids in the previous 4 weeks.