[Effect of oral beta2-stimulant on pulmonary function in asthma patients treated with multiple medications].

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of discontinuing oral beta2-stimulant in patients with asthma who were being treated with multiple medications. Thirty-two asthmatics controlled under multiple medications who had a stable PEF were entered. Patient symptoms, PEF, FEV10, V75,V50, and V25 were evaluated before and after discontinuing beta2-stimulant. Results showed that after discontinuing beta2-stimulant, there was little change in symptoms, PEF, or FEV10, and only two patients had to be re-medicated with oral beta2-stimulant. However, deterioration of V50 and V25 were clearly observed, suggesting that oral beta2-stimulant had an affect on dilatation of the small airway. Based on our data, we should regard that when discontinuing oral beta2-stimulant from combined use, the lung function reflecting the small airway decreases even if no change of symptoms is observed.