British researchers found out that asthma pills were as effective as inhaled steroids in a study that compared the efficacy of both medications.

Dr. Stanley Musgrove, co-author of the study and a senior research associate at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, said that the asthma pills called leukotriene-receptor antagonists should also be considered as treatment option for any patient.

The oral medication has shown similar cost and effectiveness against inhaled steroids, as well as better treatment compliance, Musgrove said. He also said that the study was intended to be a “pragmatic” trial, which means it closely copies the way patients consume medications in real life.

The study consists of 650 volunteers between the age of 12 and 80 with mild to moderate cases of asthma. They had either insufficient control of asthma or had a disrupted quality life because of the condition’s symptoms. The researchers randomly assigned the volunteers to different groups.

The study found out that asthma pills or leukotriene-receptor antagonists work as well as inhaled corticosteroids when utilized as first-line treatment. It also works as well as long-acting rescue medication when utilized as supplementary treatment.

The effectiveness of the medications was measured mainly through Mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire. Findings of the study are published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

St. John Hospital and Medical Center in Detroit chief of allergy and immonology, Dr. Jennifer Appleyard said the findings confirm that there are several options that can be given to asthma patients, and there is not just one answer for them.