Azithromycin and oesophageal function in respiratory disease
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the effect of Azithromycin on oesophageal motility and respiratory symptoms in patients with chronic respiratory disease: a prospective observational study
IRAS ID
1006318
Contact name
Dominic Sykes
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN16059833
Research summary
Symptoms such as cough, wheeze, and breathlessness are among the most common reasons for general practitioner or emergency department visits in the UK. Such symptoms have a profound impact on patients’ ability to live a fulfilled life, often rendering people unable to work and socialise.
Azithromycin (a type of antibiotic) improves symptoms and reduces flare-ups of diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The reason why it works is unclear. Many people believe that it either decreases the number of bacteria in the lungs or reduces inflammation in the lungs and the upper airways. Neither theory is proven. Another possible mechanism that has been much less studied is that Azithromycin encourages the body to move food and fluid through the gut more quickly, thus preventing reflux and aspiration of small food particles and stomach acid. It has been shown that lung damage can occur when gut contents enter the airways, which may contribute chronic lung disease patients’ symptoms
In this study we will test the effect of azithromycin on the gut in patients with chronic lung diseases. We will measure the strength of a patients swallow by measuring the pressures in their gullet, using high-resolution oesophageal manometry (HROM), before and after treatment, in people being started on azithromycin as part of their routine care. We will also measure the effect that azithromycin has on their symptoms and observe whether there is a relationship between the strength of their swallow and their symptoms.
At the end of this study, we will hope to better understand the way in which azithromycin helps to improve the symptoms of patients with chronic lung diseases. We also hope to open the door to investigate the effect of other drugs that improve gut function in patients with chronic lung diseases.
REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/NE/0194
Date of REC Opinion
4 Jan 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion