Saline Challenge in Monitoring Asthma Control
Saline Challenge in Monitoring Asthma Control
It is generally accepted that symptoms and lung function are not sufficient ways to monitor
 asthma control. Therefore, several objective tests have been developed to help asthma control
 monitoring, each having their own shortcomings. We have developed a new test, the hypertonic
 saline cough challenge. In our previous publication this test has proven useful in diagnosing
 asthma. The present study is planned to investigate whether hypertonic saline cough challenge
 could be used to monitor asthma control. A group of steroid-naive asthmatics will be
 recruited. A treatment with inhaled budesonide is started. Asthma control is monitored at
 regular intervals utilising a validated questionnaire. At the same time points, hypertonic
 saline cough challenges will be performed. We will analyse whether changes in the
 responsiveness to the cough challenge reflects the changes in asthma control
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  symptomatic asthma

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  usage of inhaled or oral corticosteroids

 -  recent febrile respiratory infection

 -  severe, unstable asthma