Protection by budesonide and fluticasone on allergen-induced airway responses after discontinuation of therapy.

Background: Treatment with inhaled steroids is an effective method of reducing bronchoconstriction and airway inflammation after allergen challenge. However, the duration of the protective effects of inhaled steroids after discontinuation of therapy has not been established.

Objective: We sought to evaluate the protective effect of 1 week of inhaled steroid therapy against inhaled allergen challenge 12 hours after discontinuation of therapy.