smokers, 10 ex-smokers, and 26 never-smokers. According to the authors, for all end point results, including those from such tests as forced expiratory flow in one second and morning/nighttime peak expiratory flows, the control of asthma score, plus daytime and nighttime symptoms, there was significant improvement after treatment with oral corticosteorids in the never-smokers, but no change in the values for current smokers. The investigators concluded that active smoking impairs the efficacy of short-term oral corticosteroid treatment for chronic asthma patients. They pointed out that active cigarette smoking is common in adult patients with asthma, with over 20 percent being current smokers. They noted that a recent survey of adults in emergency departments who had acute asthma revealed that 35 percent were cigarette smokers. They point out that their findings suggest that alternative anti-inflammatory treatment might be required for smokers with asthma. In addition, they emphasize that their study results serve to emphasize the importance of smoking cessation for asthma patients.

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Contact: Cathy Carlomagno
ccarlomagno@thoracic.org
212-315-6442
American Thoracic Society
1-Dec-2003

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