Figure 1

Study flow diagram. Fourty-five smokers were included into the study, based on lung function, smoking history and clinical data. Participants were randomized to inhale Placebo, Fluticasone or the combination of Fluticasone and Salmeterol twice daily for 4 weeks. Prior to the first inhalation and directly after the last inhalation of the study drug, participants underwent body plethysmography, blood collection and bronchoscopy (with bronchoalveolar lavage).