What is this study about?

With the START CARE study we are comparing two different ways of treating asthma to find out which one is better at preventing asthma exacerbations in tamariki.

1. A separate preventer (Flixotide, Serotide or Symbicort) taken every day and reliever (Ventolin or Respigen) taken when needed; OR

2. A single combined preventer and reliever inhaler (Symbicort) taken when needed and/or every day

The inhalers being used are called “Turbuhalers”, they are breath activated and do not require a spacer like the most common inhalers currently used. During the first visit we teach your child how to use the Turbuhaler and make sure that they can use it safely. At the second visit if their asthma is stable your child will be given one of the treatments (decided at random) to take for one year.

If your child’s asthma is bad, or they have an asthma exacerbation, we might want to increase the amount of the study inhaler(s) they are taking.

During the study, we will meet with each participant and their whanau 6 times. We will ask questions about their asthma and perform some breathing tests.

All study medication is provided free-of-charge during the study and parents will be reimbursed for their travel expenses.