Patient characteristics.^*

*Patients were selected from the GLUCOLD cohort [8]; only persistent smokers and ex-smokers were included. Values before and after treatment are presented of short-term ICS treatment (baseline and after 6 months), and long-term ICS treatment (6 months to 30 months). Data are expressed as medians [Interquartile Ranges]; n = number; FEV1, post, L = FEV1 after salbutamol expressed in liters; PC20 = provocative concentration of metacholine causing a fall in FEV1 of >20%; ‡Cell counts/10−7 per m2 of subepithelium; §Cell counts×104 per mL.