Previous studies have demonstrated that exhaled nitric oxide can be useful to monitor the efficacy of anti-inflammatory treatment as well as to predict a risk of asthma relapse in asthmatic patients.

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the time course of exhaled nitric oxide in mild asthmatic patients, stopping regular treatment with inhaled corticosteroids, if it is possible, in relationship with symptoms and lung function.

All patients were evaluated with pulmonary lung function, exhaled nitric oxide and peak expiratory flow (PEF) and fill in a personal diary for the first two weeks when patients are in treatment; the same evaluation will be made for other four weeks without treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• mild asthmatic treated with low dose inhaled steroids for whom it has to be considered stop of steroid treatment according to GINA guidelines

Exclusion Criteria:

• age < 5 years
• chronic respiratory diseases

children with asthma visited in the outpatients clinic at University of Verona were invited to participate to the study