BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Inhaled corticosteroid is the first line of treatment for asthma which has its own side effects. By contrast, Montelukast has fewer complications and is easier to use because of its tablet-like form. Hence, the present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of inhaled beclomethasone with and without oral Montelukast in the control of children’s persistent asthma.
METHODS: This clinical trial study was performed on 84 children with asthma referring to Amirkola Children's Hospital in two groups. One group of patients received inhaled beclomethasone with Montelukast. The another group was treated with only inhaled beclomethasone alone. Before and 3 months after the treatment, FEV1, IgE, eosinophilia, night sleep quality, and school absenteeism status were measured in both groups.
FINDINGS: FEV1 values presented no significant difference between the two groups before the treatment, but it significantly increased in both groups three months after the treatment (p=0.000) (from 71.8±2.1 to 89.4±2.1 in the combinative treatment group and from 72±3 to 88.3±2.4 in the beclomethasone group). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in this regard (p=0.146).
CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that although the increase in FEV1 was similar in the two groups after treatment, but due to the better therapeutic acceptance in the combination therapy group, combination therapy could be used to control children's asthma
