A study of the effect of the early treatment with Pulmicort of newly diagnosed asthma. Patients will receive either Pulmicort or a non-active treatment for three years. Neither patients or investigators will be aware of the treatment received. After three years of treatment all patients will receive Pulmicort for 2 further years.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male or female patients aged between 6 and 60 years
• diagnosed with asthma within 2 years of starting the study
• Ability to use a Turbuhaler

Exclusion Criteria:

• Symptoms indicating asthma (e.g. wheezing) for more than two years prior to starting the study
• A history of the use of treatments like Pulmicort for more than 30 days per year in the two years before starting the study
• Regular daily treatment for asthma for more than two years before starting the study