Comparison of the clinical effect of ketotifen and DSCG in pollen-induced childhood asthma.

Thirty-six children with a mean age of 8.9 years were studied with respect to the prophylactic effect and tolerance of ketotifen in comparison with disodium cromoglycate. All had a verified deciduous tree pollen-induced asthma. The children were stratified into two matched groups and the double-blind technique was used. The study was performed during the whole deciduous tree pollen season. Daily pollen counts were performed during the whole observation period as well as daily registrations of allergic symptoms, additional medication and pulmonary expiratory flow. No significant differences were found between the two substances tested. No adverse reactions or side effects were noted.