Table 3.

Randomised controlled trials of inhaled corticosteroids used acutely for the management of episodic (viral wheeze)

Study	Inhaled corticosteroid	Duration (days)	Total daily dose (mcg)	Beclomethasone equivalent	Benefit	Harm
Bisgaard 200658	Budesonide	14	400	400	No difference in symptom free days	No effect on height
Svedmyr 199959	Budesonide	31	1600	1600	Reduced symptom score	No effect on morning cortisol
Wilson 199060	Beclomethasone	5	2250	2250	Reduced symptom score	Not reported
Ducharme 200957	Fluticasone	</= 10	1500	3000	50% reduction in oral steroid use	Reduced height & weight velocity
Connett 199361	Budesonide	</= 14	32002	3200	Reduced symptom score	Not reported

1. Then budesonide 800 mcg daily for a further 7 days.

2. Children who were able to use the spacer device without a face mask were given 1600 mcg / day.