Assessment of long-term efficacy of early introduction of inhaled steroids in asthma

INTERVENTION: Children (3‐8 yr) and adults will be randomised to receive either inhaled steroid (budesonide 100µg b.d. in children r 200 µg b.d. in adults) or matched placebo and patients will be followed up at 6 monthly intervals for 4 years, with measurements of peak expiratory flow (over 2 weeks) FEV symptoms, inhaled beta‐agonist use, exacerbations and a quality of life assessment. To measure risks we will measure growth in children and bone density in children and adults. A cost‐effectiveness analysis will also be performed. A feasibility study and audit suggest that these patients can be identified and that the procedures are acceptable to both the doctors and patients. This long‐term controlled study will provide information about whether very early introduction of inhaled steroids has advantages over the current policy of introducing inhaled steroids when symptoms occur on a daily basis. CONDITION: Respiratory tract diseases: Asthma ; Respiratory ; Asthma PRIMARY OUTCOME: Not provided at time of registration. SECONDARY OUTCOME: Not provided at time of registration. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Not provided at time of registration.