The purpose of this study is to study the effects of once daily inhaled ciclesonide at varying doses on exercise provoked asthma symptoms, fall in lung function after exercise and sputum characteristics.

To study the effects of 4 doses of ciclesonide on exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, bronchial responsiveness to mannitol, sputum parameters and other parameters of asthma control in asthmatic patients. The primary aim was to evaluate exercise-induced bronchoconstriction as a method of determining the dose and time responses of inhaled corticosteroid therapy. The secondary aims were to evaluate the dose and time responses of sputum parameters and responsiveness to mannitol to inhaled corticosteroid therapy. Furthermore to explore the relationship(s) between exercise induced bronchoconstriction, sputum parameters and mannitol responsiveness.

Inclusion Criteria:

• stable asthma not on maintenance asthma medications
• exercise induced bronchoconstriction on dry air exercise challenge.

Exclusion Criteria:

• other significant co-morbidity or treatments that might interfere with the conduct or results of the study
• fail to return to baseline after a maximum washout period of 8 weeks
• unable to perform the procedures of the study