Pediatric Asthma Study Using Stepwise Treatment With Two Food And Drug Administration Approved Asthma Medications

Inclusion criteria: * Children with a documented history of asthma. * Using inhaled steroids from 100 mcg up to 500 mcg twice daily for at least 1 month before study start. * Must be able to perform reproducible lung function tests. * Must have a positive RAST or skin prick test. * During the treatment period, the patient has to be hyperreactive (defined as PD20 methacholine \< 150 mcg) and/or have a cumulative symptom score of 14 based on the daily record card filled in during the last 2 weeks of the run-in period. Exclusion criteria: * History of an acute upper or lower respiratory tract infection, middle ear, or sinus infection 4 weeks prior to visit 1. * Admitted to hospital due to a respiratory disease 4 weeks prior to visit 1. * Received oral corticosteroids within 4 weeks prior to visit 1. * Existence of any disorder that affects growth. * Clinical or laboratory evidence of a serious systemic disease, or suspected hypersensitivity to corticosteroids, lactose or short/long acting B2-agonists.