Could a common antibiotic ease severe wheezing in young children?

NCT ID NCT04669288

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study investigates whether a 5-day course of oral azithromycin can reduce wheezing severity in preschool children (18 months to under 5 years) who come to the emergency department with a severe wheezing episode. Children are randomly assigned to receive either azithromycin or a placebo, and parents track symptoms daily using a validated diary. The goal is to see if the antibiotic improves recovery and reduces the need for further medical care.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

azithromycin

What this could lead to

If effective, azithromycin could become a standard short-term treatment to ease severe wheezing episodes in young children, reducing symptoms and hospital stays.

What could go wrong

This is a Phase 3 trial, but results may vary by child. Azithromycin is an antibiotic, so overuse could contribute to resistance, and it may not work for all wheezing causes.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

asthma Respiratory Sounds

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Boston Children's Hospital

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States

  • Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University

    Atlanta, Georgia, 30322, United States

  • Children's Hospital of New York Medical Center

    New York, New York, 10032, United States

  • Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

    Cincinnati, Ohio, 45229, United States

  • The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States

  • The Medical College of Wisconsin

    Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53226, United States

  • University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States

  • University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

    Dallas, Texas, 75390, United States