Symbicort Single Inhaler Therapy for Asthma in a General Practice Setting

Effects of Symbicort Single Inhaler Therapy on Bronchial Hyper Responsiveness, Asthma Control and Safety in Mild to Moderate Asthmatics in General Practice, Compared to Usual Care Therapy

The primary objective is to compare the effects of Symbicort SiT and treatment according to NHG-guidelines on bronchial hyperresponsiveness in asthmatic patients, as measured by PD20 histamine, and to validate the Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness Questionnaire (BHQ).

Inclusion Criteria:

• diagnosis of mild to moderate asthma, FEV1 ³ 60% of predicted normal values pre-bronchodilator, daily use of inhaled GCS during the last 3 months

Exclusion Criteria:

• Regular need of >4 inhalations of a short-acting b2-agonist/day, known or suspected hypersensitivity to any of the investigational drugs or inhaled lactose, use of any b-blocking agent, having smoked ³10 pack-years