Bronchitis Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Bronchitis, including details on pulmonary disorders, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention.

Macrolide immunomodulatory effects and symptom resolution in acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis and acute maxillary sinusitis: a focus on clarithromycin.

Bishai WR

The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, 1550 Orleans Street, CRB2-108, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA. wbishai@jhmi.edu

Bacterial respiratory tract infections are common in the primary care setting and patients often seek the assistance of a healthcare professional in order to achieve resolution of their symptoms. Antibiotic agents that offer rapid symptom relief, in addition to excellent bacteriological and clinical cure, are highly desired. Macrolides have proven to be highly effective in treating acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and acute maxillary sinusitis. In addition, immunomodulatory effects that may contribute to symptom resolution have been reported. This article reviews current literature on symptom resolution in acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and acute maxillary sinusitis, with a focus on clarithromycin, and explores the potential mechanisms that may contribute to this action.

Published 14 June 2006 in Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther, 4(3): 405-16.
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