Table 1 Subjects’ characteristics at baseline

Sex (F/M)

18/12

Age (years, range)

73.7 ± 5.9 (66–84)

BMI

25.6 ± 4.7

Atopy

27/30

Duration of asthma (years)

34.8 ± 21.2

Rhinitis

23/30

Gastroesophageal reflux disease

9/30

Inhaled steroids (dose, range)

29/30 (358 ± 255, 0–1000 mcg/day)

Long-acting bronchodilators

20/30

Leukotriene antagonists (montelukast)

11/30

Anticholinergic agents (tiotropium)

3/30

Theophylline

1/30

ACT score

22.1 ± 3.3

FEV1 %

75 ± 20.4

FEV1/FVC

0.73 ± 0.1

FEF25-75 %

71 ± 38.2

Peripheral blood eosinophils

0.38 ± 0.31 K/µL

Total serum IgE

198 ± 210 IU/ml