The aim of this 6-month randomised controlled trial was to determine the comparative efficacy of different treatments in patients with mild asthma. Patients (n = 455) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatment groups as follows: As-needed combination group, 250 μg of beclomethasone and 100 μg of albuterol in a single inhaler plus twice daily placebo; As-needed albuterol group, 100 μg of albuterol plus twice daily placebo; regular beclomethasone group, 250 μg of beclomethasone twice daily and 100 μg of albuterol as needed; regular combination therapy group, 250 μg of beclomethasone and 100 μg of albuterol in a single inhaler twice daily plus 100 μg of albuterol as needed. Patients who received as-needed combination therapy had significantly improved morning peak expiratory flow and a lower rate of exacerbations than those in the as-needed albuterol group. There was no significant difference between patients who as-needed combination therapy and those who received regular beclomethasone, with or without albuterol.
