A Comparison of Low-Dose Inhaled Budesonide plus Theophylline and High-Dose Inhaled Budesonide for Moderate Asthma

Inhaled glucocorticoids have become the mainstay of therapy in asthma, with dose titration until control is achieved. 1 Although it is effective, the long-term consequences of such treatment are not known. 2 Furthermore, because of the prevalence of asthma and the expense of treatment, this condition places a considerable burden on health care systems. 3 Theophylline has been used in asthma for over 50 years and is prescribed throughout the world, but its popularity has declined because it is not classified as an antiinflammatory agent and it is a less effective bronchodilator than β 2 -agonists. 4 Furthermore, there is concern about the side . . .