Mild Asthmatics May Do Well With Less Medicine

The lung function for those on as-needed combination therapy were slightly higher than those on as-needed albuterol therapy, but the as-needed combination therapy didn't differ much from those receiving regular beclomethasone. This is important, because the as-needed combination group received a lower dose of beclomethasone overall.

And, while inhaled corticosteroids are safe medications with few side effects, a lower dose of medicine would likely be even safer, and Krasnick pointed out that the cost would be lower.

"There may be some patients who can take medications on an as-needed basis, but you have to make sure you know what to do if you start to get into trouble," advised Krasnick.

Peters said, "If you're doing well on twice a day therapy, and you don't mind taking the medication, stick with it. This is still the best option for most. If you have allergic rhinitis, as well as asthma, montelukast is approved for that, and that might be a good reason to try it."

He added that people who don't like using medication twice a day might want to ask their doctor if Advair is a good option for them.

Peters' study was funded by an unrestricted grant from GlaxoSmithKline -- an asthma medication manufacturer -- and a grant from the American Lung Association. The Italian study received support from Chiesi Pharmaceuticals, also an asthma medication manufacturer.

More information

To learn more about stepping down your asthma medications, visit the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

SOURCES: Stephen Peters, M.D., professor, pediatrics and pulmonary internal medicine, and associate director, Center for Human Genomics, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, N.C.; Jane Krasnick, M.D., chief, allergy, St. John Macomb Hospital, Warren, Mich.; May 17, 2007,New England Journal of Medicine