Subjects were recruited from the Lung Health Study I and randomized to 1200 micrograms of triamcinolone in daily divided doses or to placebo. Pulmonary function was evaluated every six months. Bronchial activity was tested at baseline, at nine months, and at three-and-a-half years using a methacholine inhalation challenge. Mean duration of follow-up was 40 months. The primary outcome measure was the rate of decline in pulmonary function as assessed by the post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1) value. Other outcome measures included death, respiratory symptoms, quality of life, side-effects and toxicity, adherence, bronchial hyperreactivity, atopic status, and smoking status. Recruitment was initiated in November 1994 and ended November 28, 1995 to allow 3.5 to 4.5 years of follow-up through April, 1999.