Infectious Asthma Research

hahnwebsite.jpgAsthma is believed to be incurable but a growing body of evidence suggests that the most severe forms are caused by infections that are curable by specific courses of antibiotics. In cooperation with David L. Hahn, M.D., MS, a Dean Medical Center physician, Dean Foundation has supported research into novel infectious causes for asthma.

This research first raised the possibility that short-term treatments with certain antibiotics may significantly improve or even “cure” some cases of asthma and may improve asthma symptoms and quality of life without the costs and side effects of life-long steroid treatments that are the backbone of current asthma guidelines.

Read more about Infectious Asthma

For patient success stories, see the website: www.asthmastory.com.

Dr. Hahn is happy to share research progress with those interested in supporting this research. For more information email Peggy Dovi

Current research:

More positive research is required before antibiotics can be accepted as proven. Current studies underway include:

  • AZMATICS: AZithroMycin Asthma Trial In Community Settings

This clinical trial will test whether a 12-week antibiotic treatment will cause improvement in asthma symptoms up to one year after treatment.
http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT00266851

Past Dean Foundation-sponsored research:

  • Association of Chlamydia pneumoniae (strain TWAR) infection with wheezing, asthmatic bronchitis and adult-onset asthma. Journal of the American Medical Association 1991; 266:225-230
  • Diagnosed and possible undiagnosed asthma: a Wisconsin Research Network (WReN) study. Journal of Family Practice 1994; 38:373-379
  • Asthma and chlamydial infection: a case series. Journal of Family Practice 1994; 38:589-595
  • Infectious asthma: A re-emerging clinical entity? Journal of Family Practice 1995; 41:153-157
  • Treatment of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection in adult asthma: a before-after trial. Journal of Family Practice 1995; 41:345-351
  • Association of Chlamydia pneumoniae IgA antibodies with recently symptomatic asthma. Epidemiology and Infection 1996; 117:513-517
  • Evidence for Chlamydia pneumoniae infection in steroid-dependent asthma. Annals of Allergy Asthma and Immunology 1998; 80:45-49