[High dose inhaled steroid therapy--usefulness and limitation]

Our data indicate that 1800 micrograms of per day is more effective than 1400 micrograms/day at the beginning of long-term management of severe asthma in adults whose symptoms are not controlled with the combination of 800 approximately 900 micrograms/day BDP and bronchodilators. Therapy with a higher dose (at least 1600 micrograms/day) of inhaled steroid is more useful and should be promptly began to treat severe asthma. Oral steroid therapy for long-term management should be introduced to mostly severe case after high dose inhaled BDP therapy reveals to be failure.