Using Azithromycin to treat severe wheezing in preschoolers visiting the emergency department
Official title: 2/2: AZithromycin Therapy in Preschoolers with a Severe Wheezing Episode Diagnosed at the Emergency Department (AZ-SWED)
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-11002732 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether the antibiotic Azithromycin can help young kids aged 2-5 who have severe wheezing and need to go to the emergency room, to see if it can make them feel better and improve their health, especially for those more likely to get bacterial infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2020 |
| Project end | November 15, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $505,281 |
| NIH project number | 5U24HL147018-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11002732 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are preschoolers aged 2-5 who are experiencing severe wheezing episodes and require emergency medical care.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience severe wheezing or are outside the age range of 2-5 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of the antibiotic Azithromycin in treating preschoolers aged 2-5 who experience severe wheezing episodes that require emergency department visits. The study aims to determine whether Azithromycin can reduce symptoms and improve outcomes for these children, particularly those at higher risk for bacterial infections. Participants will receive either Azithromycin or a placebo to assess the medication's impact on their condition. The research is particularly focused on understanding the role of harmful bacteria in exacerbating wheezing and asthma development in young children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for preschoolers experiencing severe wheezing, potentially reducing hospitalizations and long-term asthma development.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with Azithromycin in outpatient settings, but this research aims to explore its effectiveness in more severe cases requiring emergency care, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Casper, Theron C — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Casper, Theron C
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Predictors of Persistent Symptoms in Preschoolers with Recurrent Wheezing
A study designed to understand why some preschoolers with recurrent wheezing have more symptoms and worse quality of life, especially among families facing socioeconomic challenges.
-
Childhood wheezing and its impact on thinking and behavior in young children
A study follows preschool children with recurrent wheezing to understand how their illnesses and treatments may influence brain development and emotions.
-
The impact of wheezing in preschool children on their brain development
This study is looking at how repeated wheezing in young kids might impact their thinking and feelings as they grow, and it’s for parents of preschoolers who have had wheezing issues.
-
Using Azithromycin to treat severe wheezing in preschoolers visiting the emergency department
This study is looking at whether the antibiotic Azithromycin can help young children who have severe wheezing and need emergency care, to see if it can make them feel better and help prevent future asthma issues.
-
Understanding wheezing disorders in preschool children
This study is looking at preschool kids who wheeze to understand how their symptoms affect their overall health, so we can find better ways to help them feel better and thrive.
-
Keikku electronic stethoscope for recording heart sounds and detecting murmurs and wheezing
We will test whether the Keikku electronic stethoscope can accurately record heart sounds and help doctors detect heart murmurs and wheezing in people of all ages during routine, non-urgent heart checks.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.