Ciclesonide for the Treatment of Airway Hyperresponsiveness

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Referred to the pulmonology department of the university hospital Basel because of suspected asthma defined as respiratory symptoms like wheezing or cough or chest tightness. 2. Asthma symptoms partly controlled according to GINA (October 2006) 1 week prior to randomization 3. FEV1 ≥ 70% predicted 4. 18 - 70 years old Exclusion Criteria: 1. Smoker and ex-smoker with \>10 pack years 2. COPD 3. Upper respiratory tract infection within the past 4 weeks. 4. ICS or oral steroids during the previous month before inclusion 5. b-blockers within the past 4 weeks 6. Current treatment with medication as defined in section concomitant medication (ICS other than study medication, ß-blockers) 7. Pregnancy 8. Known malignancy