Disodium cromoglycate compared with beclomethasone dipropionate in juvenile asthma

Summary In a double‐blind controlled crossover trial of inhaled disodium cromoglycate and beclomethasone dipropionate in juvenile asthma, beclomethasone produced higher therapeutic scores but significantly so in only two indices–wheeze‐free days and morning peak flow rates. Combined treatment offered no advantage over beclomethasone alone. No side‐effects were noted. The findings confirm other studies of cromoglycate and a steroid aerosol (betamethasone 17‐valerate) but disagree with the only other comparative trial of cromoglycate and beclomethasone, in which both were found equally effective.