Nebulised beclomethasone dipropionate in preschool asthma

Twenty nine young children with severe recurrent asthma were given nebulised beclomethasone dipropionate or normal saline in a double blind manner over a six month period. Progress was monitored using diary score cards. Those receiving beclomethasone had lower symptom scores, had more symptom free days, and required less additional treatment with bronchodilator agents. The code needed to be broken more frequently if normal saline was used. Over the study period height and weight increases in the two groups were similar, and no serious side effects were noted.