OBJECTIVETo assess the efficacy of a nasally inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) through a spacer with mask aiming at simultaneous treatment of allergic rhinitis and asthma in children and make an analysis on the costs.

METHODA total of 72 children with allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma were randomized into two groups. Experimental group received budesonide inhaler (400 microg/d) through the nose using a spacer attached to a face mask, control group children orally inhaled budesonide dry powder (400 microg/d) plus a nasal spray of budesonide aquae (256 microg/d).

RESULTThe patients were observed for 12 weeks. The symptom scores of rhinitis of both experimental group and control group declined (F=6.529 and 7.014, all P<0.01), symptom scores of asthma in both group were also reduced (F=4.132 and 4.950, P<0.01). The pulmonary function PEF (L/min) in both groups continuously increased (F=2.750 and 3.282, P<0.05). But the clinical scores, PEF value and FEV1 all did not differ between the two groups at admission or at nearly all follow-up visits (P>0.05 for all). The proportion of dry nose was lower in experimental group than in the control group (5.6% vs. 19.4%), but the difference was not statistically significant. The cost in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONNasal inhalation of ICS provides a therapeutic strategy for controlling AR and asthma in children, especially it result in higher compliance, lower costs, and fewer side effects.