A randomized clinical trial on inhaled ciclesonide for managing acute asthma in the emergency room.

Background: Use of inhaled corticosteroids for managing acute asthma exacerbations has been tested since the 1990s.

Objective: To compare high doses of inhaled ciclesonide with systemic hydrocortisone for managing acute asthma exacerbations in the emergency department.

Design And Setting: Double-blind, randomized clinical trial in the public healthcare system of the city of São Paulo.