The purpose of this study is to investigate the benefits of giving filled prescription of a medication to be used upon early onset of symptoms of URTI induced asthma. The hope is to reduce the need to present to Health Care centres for treatment.

In Canada, asthma affects more the 12% of children. Exacerbation are a common feature of asthma. In children, upper respiratory tract infection (URTI's) are responsible for over 80% of asthma exacerbation.

Experts in asthma care acknowledge this critical problem and have developed guidelines to reduce asthma exacerbation.

The criteria for participation in this study to have 2 or more presentations to a Health Service centre in the past 12 months for URTI induced asthma. These patients will be followed and interviewed monthly over a 12 month period to investigate whether the use of Oral cortico-steroids upon early onset of URTI induced asthma prevents the need for presentation to hospital

Inclusion Criteria:

• 2 or more presentations to Emergency department in a 12 month period

Exclusion Criteria:

• less then 2 presentations to Emergency department in a 12 month period