To compare the effects of formoterol alone (Oxis® TurbuhalerÒ) and the fixed combination of formoterol and budesonide (Symbicort® TurbuhalerÒ) on airway responsiveness as a marker of inflammation, induced by repeated low-dose allergen challenge in allergic patients with mild asthma

Inclusion Criteria:

• A diagnosed history of asthma for at least 6 months
• Mild and stable asthma, only using β2-agonists as needed for the last 4 weeks.
• FEV1 >70% of predicted normal value (post-bronchodilator value).
• Skin prick test positive to pollen, animal dander or house dust mite.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any significant respiratory disease, other than asthma.

• Upper or lower respiratory tract infection within 4 weeks before inclusion.

• Use of:

  1. inhaled glucocorticosteroid treatment for the last 8 weeks prior to inclusion or ever used oral glucocorticoid treatment for asthma.
  2. inhaled long-acting or oral b2-agonists, anticholinergic bronchodilators, cromones, antihistamines, theophyllines and anti-leukotrienes within 2 weeks of screening.
  3. regular NSAIDs