OBJECTIVETo assess the intervention of Biantong Huangqi Ointment (BHO) combined with Western medicine (WM) on the recurrence of bronchial asthma (BA).

METHODSEighty-four BA children patients were randomly assigned to the treatment group (43 cases) and the control group (41 cases). During the period of onset, patients in the two groups were treated by WM alone. During the remission phase, patients in the treatment group took BHO, one dose daily, while those in the control group were treated with atomized inhalation of Budesonide and Salbutamol (0.5 mL each time for those 3 -8 years old; 0.75 mL each time for >or=those 8-12 years old). The therapeutic course for them all was 1 month. The serum levels of IgG and IgE before and after treatment, 6 and 12 months after withdrawal of medication were detected in the two groups, and the recurrence rate of BA observed in the two groups.

RESULTSThe recurrence rate of the treatment group was obviously lower than that of the control group after withdrawal of medication (9.5% vs 24.4% for 6 months, 14.0% vs 34.1% for 12 months), showing statistical difference between the two groups (P<0.05). The serum IgG level of children patients in the treatment group increased continuously after medication. The high serum IgE level state obtained long-term and effective relief.

CONCLUSIONBHO showed favorable anti-recurrent effect on children's BA. Its mechanism might be associated with regulating children's immune system.