The present study suggests that oral Montelukast is not inferior to Budesonide in treatment of mild persistent asthma in 2 to 18 y children in terms of control of symptoms and improvement in pulmonary function tests over a 12 wk period. However, there was more significant improvement in day time symptoms, more significant increase in FEV1/FVC ratio and less exacerbation in patients receiving Budesonide compared to those receiving Montelukast. However, side effects due to long term use of steroids such as growth stunting and bone osteopenia should also be considered before recommending. Trial registered at CTRI no. REF/2012/09/004035.

No abstract