Budesonide reverses lung hyperinflation in childhood asthma: A controlled study

It was investigated whether inhaled budesonide reduces lung volumes in a group of asthmatic children with lung hyperinflation. Budesonide (800 μg bid, for 2 months) was administered to 12 asthmatic children (mean age, 11.2±3.3 years) with lung hyperinflation (TGV≥130% predicted and/or RV ≥ 140% predicted) in a randomised, placebo controlled, double blind, crossover study. Body plethysmography (panting frequency controlled at l · s^-1) was performed at the beginning, 2 months afterwards (before crossover) and at the end of the study. Budesonide significantly reduced TGV (2.35±0.90 l BTPS or 126±24% predicted) compared with placebo (2.54±1.08 l BTPS, P=0.014 or 140±21% predicted, P<0.05). In addition, budesonide significantly increased mean specific conductance (0.06±0.02 cm H₂O^-1 l s^-1 to 0.07±0.01 cm H₂O^-1 l s^-1, P<0.05). It was concluded that budesonide reduced lung hyperinflation most likely by decreasing airway inflammation.