Sputum production during recovery from acute asthma--effect of adrenal corticosteroids.

ABSTRACT

The effect of corticosteroid drugs on sputum production was studied in 74 patients of asthma. They were alternatively allotted to two different treatment schedules-conventional bronchodilator drugs alone and bronchodilators plus corticosteroids. All the subjects recovered, bringing out sputum in the process. However, the steroid treated group produced significantly less sputum than the other group. It is concluded that (a) sputum expectoration is a regular accompaniment of recovery from acute asthma and (b) steroids inhibit sputum production in acute asthma.