[Azithromycine and chronic bronchial diseases: For which patients? For which benefits? With what modalities?]

Azithromycin is a macrolide widely used in chronic bronchial diseases due to its anti-inflammatory properties. This treatment is prescribed to patients with bronchiectasis, asthma and severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who present more than 3 exacerbations per year or a deterioration of respiratory function despite an optimal treatment. Macrolides decrease the number of exacerbation but azythromycine must be prescribed carefully. Indeed, it involves potential cardiovascular and otological toxicities and the emergence of resistant bacteria. In addition, studies remain insufficient to establish the optimal dosage and duration of azithromycine.