CORTICOSTEROIDS IN THE TREATMENT OF ACUTE EXACERBATIONS OF ASTHMA

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 45  (2) , 67-71
Abstract
In a 72-h double-blind study, 16 moderately to severely asthmatic subjects received either oral prednisone 2 mg/kg per day or placebo in addition to their regular medication as treatment for an acute exacerbation of asthma. The group receiving prednisone demonstrated significant increases in the PEFR [peak expiratory flow rate] and decreased need for beta-2 agonist nebulization or injections the first 12 h of the study period, and these improvements were maintained over the 72 h. The placebo-treated group showed minimal reduction in nebulization and injection requirements and minimal increase in PEFR. Oral prednisone was effective in controlling acute exacerbations of asthmatic symptoms.