Quadrupling Inhaled Glucocorticoid Dose to Abort Asthma Exacerbations

Increases in symptoms may occur before exacerbations fully develop. In a trial involving adults and adolescents, quadrupling the dose of inhaled glucocorticoids when symptoms occurred resulted in fewer severe asthma exacerbations than not increasing the dose. Increases in symptoms may occur before exacerbations fully develop. In two trials, when symptoms occurred, the dose of inhaled glucocorticoids was increased by a factor of 5 (pediatric trial) or 4 (adult trial). There was no benefit, and perhaps some harm, in children, and a modest benefit in adults.