6 Recommendations for further research

6.1 ICSs are a well-established therapeutic intervention. Therefore, research on ICSs tends to be done when new devices are developed. There is an ongoing programme of postmarketing research in relation to combination devices.

6.2 The Committee recognised the need for some larger and longer term comparative trials of ICSs in children younger than 12 years, with full assessment of side effects including growth and other effects on adrenal suppression.

6.3 The Committee also recommended further research that focused on comparisons of ICSs in children younger than 5 years, and that compared the effectiveness of remaining on the same dose of ICS, increasing the dose of ICS and adding a LABA.