Short steroid course after first wheeze may stop asthma before it starts

NCT ID NCT03889743

First seen Jul 20, 2026 · Last updated Jul 21, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests whether giving the steroid dexamethasone for three days to children after their first severe wheezing episode (triggered by a rhinovirus) can prevent recurrent wheezing and asthma. The study enrolls children admitted to hospitals in Norway, Finland, and Sweden. Researchers will track how many children develop asthma or need regular asthma medication over the next two years.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
a steroid drug called dexamethasone given as oral tablets for 3 days
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a way to prevent asthma in children who have their first severe wheezing episode triggered by a common cold virus.
What could go wrong
This is a relatively small, early-stage trial, and the steroid may not reduce asthma risk or could have side effects. Results may not apply to all children.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Akershus University Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Oslo, Norway

    Contact

  • Haukeland University Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Bergen, Norway

    Contact

  • Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset

    RECRUITING

    Stockholm, Sweden

    Contact

  • St Olavs Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Trondheim, Norway

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

  • Stavanger University Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Stavanger, Norway

    Contact

  • Turku University Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Turku, Finland

    Contact

  • Ullevål University Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Oslo, Norway

    Contact

  • University Hospital of North Norway

    RECRUITING

    Tromsø, Norway

    Contact

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