Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
05:31

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels

Published on: August 7, 2017

Effects of montelukast on subjective and objective outcome measures in preschool asthmatic children

Alexander Moeller1, Andrea Lehmann, Nicola Knauer

  • 1Swiss Pediatric Respiratory Research Group, Division of Respiratory Medicine, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland.

Pediatric Pulmonology
|December 19, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Montelukast treatment improved asthma control in preschool children with elevated fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). The study showed reduced FeNO, better lung function, and fewer symptoms after montelukast therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Asthma Research
  • Inflammatory Airway Diseases

Background:

  • Airway inflammation control is vital for asthma management.
  • Preschool asthma often presents with insufficient inflammation control, indicated by elevated fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO).
  • Montelukast is a potential therapeutic option for managing pediatric asthma.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of montelukast in preschool children with mild to moderate asthma and elevated FeNO.
  • To assess the impact of montelukast on subjective and objective measures of asthma control.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 31 preschool children (2.5-5 years) with asthma.
  • Group 1 received montelukast (4 mg) if FeNO was >= 10 ppb; Group 2 had no treatment change if FeNO was < 10 ppb.
  • Measurements included FeNO, lung function (Rrs8Hz), airway responsiveness to adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP), and symptom scores over 8 weeks.

Main Results:

  • Montelukast treatment (Group 1) significantly decreased FeNO levels (12.9 to 7.6 ppb).
  • Improvements were observed in lung function (Rrs8Hz decreased from 10.03 to 8.72 hPa.s/L) and symptom scores (2 to 1.5).
  • Airway responsiveness to AMP significantly increased (provocative dose from 2.65 to 4.54), indicating reduced responsiveness.

Conclusions:

  • Oral montelukast, as a first-line or add-on therapy, effectively reduces FeNO levels in preschool children with asthma and elevated FeNO.
  • Montelukast treatment improved lung function, airway responsiveness, and symptom scores in this pediatric population.
  • These findings support montelukast as a valuable treatment option for managing airway inflammation and improving asthma control in young children.

More Related Videos

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma14:39

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma

Published on: November 4, 2010

Related Concept Videos

Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers01:19

Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers

Leukotriene modifiers, or cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonists, are medications used to manage chronic asthma. These agents target specific inflammatory mediators produced during arachidonic acid metabolism, an essential process in generating inflammation in the body.
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations01:13

Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations

Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...
Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications01:24

Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications

Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs01:25

Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition for which new therapeutic avenues, including anti-inflammatory drugs like mast cell stabilizers and anti-IgE treatments, continue to be developed.
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management01:30

Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management

The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification01:26

Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification

Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include: