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Effect of Inhaled Steroid Therapy on Exhaled Nitric Oxide and Bronchial Responsiveness in Children with Asthma

Inhaled steroid therapy is reported to reduce the level of exhaled nitric oxide (eNO), but the effects of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) on bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) have been controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of ICS on the relationship between eNO and BHR. Twenty-six children with asthma were recruited, including 14 children who were receiving ICS (ICS group) and 12 who were not (ICS-naive group). The fractional exhaled nitric oxide concentration (FENO) was examined by the recommended online method. To evaluate BHR, an acetylcholine challenge test was performed. In the ICS-naive group, FENO was significantly correlated with PC20 (p < 0.05, r = −0.70), but not in the ICS group. In conclusion, FENO was significantly correlated with BHR in the ICS-naive group, but this relationship was not present in the ICS group. Our results suggest that the use of ICS should be taken into consideration when evaluating the relation between BHR and airway inflammation.