Importance of duration of treatment with inhaled budesonide on the immediate and late bronchial reaction.

: The influence on the immediate and late bronchial allergic reaction after pretreatment with budesonide was investigated in 10 asthmatic patients with dual bronchial responses to bronchial provocation tests. Pretreatment was given in daily doses of 1 mg inhaled budesonide from a pressurized aerosol. In the first study pretreatment was given for 12 h and one week and in the second study for one week and one month. The late allergic reaction decreased markedly after 12 h pretreatment but additional effect was obtained after extended pretreatment. The immediate allergic reaction decreased less after pretreatment for 12 h and one week than did the late allergic reaction. Pretreatment for one month decreased also the immediate reaction substantially.