It is generally accepted that symptoms and lung function are not sufficient ways to monitor
asthma control. Therefore, several objective tests have been developed to help asthma control
monitoring, each having their own shortcomings. We have developed a new test, the hypertonic
saline cough challenge. In our previous publication this test has proven useful in diagnosing
asthma. The present study is planned to investigate whether hypertonic saline cough challenge
could be used to monitor asthma control. A group of steroid-naive asthmatics will be
recruited. A treatment with inhaled budesonide is started. Asthma control is monitored at
regular intervals utilising a validated questionnaire. At the same time points, hypertonic
saline cough challenges will be performed. We will analyse whether changes in the
responsiveness to the cough challenge reflects the changes in asthma control