Using Azithromycin to treat severe wheezing in preschoolers visiting the emergency department

2/2: AZithromycin Therapy in Preschoolers with a Severe Wheezing Episode Diagnosed at the Emergency Department (AZ-SWED)

NIH-funded research University of Utah · NIH-11002732

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Utah NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Salt Lake City, United States)
Project IDNIH-11002732 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are preschoolers aged 2-5 who are experiencing severe wheezing episodes and require emergency medical care.

Not a fit: Patients who do not experience severe wheezing or are outside the age range of 2-5 years may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Salt Lake City, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.