We hypothesize that extra-fine particle treatment with HFA-QVAR will be superior in improving
small airways dysfunction, especially in ex-smokers and smokers with asthma.
To investigate this, we will perform a study comparing the efficacy of extra-fine particle
HFA-QVAR 200 µg b.i.d. to an equipotent dose of course particle HFA-beclomethasone
(HFA-Clenil) 400 µg b.i.d. and with coarse particle HFA-fluticasone (GSK) 250 µg in
ex-smokers and smokers with asthma.
Study design: This study will be an open-label, randomised, three-way cross-over, two-center
study. 20 smokers and 20 ex-smokers with asthma will receive the following treatments for two
weeks: