Final answer:
The 2017 study by Hay et al. investigated the effects of oral prednisolone on symptoms of acute lower respiratory tract infection in nonasthmatic adults, focusing on duration and severity of symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 2017 paper by Hay et al. on the use of oral prednisolone in nonasthmatic adults with acute lower respiratory tract infection aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of this corticosteroid in reducing symptom duration and severity. Glucocorticoids like prednisolone are commonly used to downregulate the immune system and inhibit the inflammatory response. While effective in managing chronic conditions such as asthma, Crohn's disease, and various hypersensitivities, the long-term use of steroids can lead to health problems. The specific study you are asking about evaluated the short-term use of prednisolone for respiratory infections that are not complicated by underlying chronic respiratory conditions.