MIA Overview                                                                                           

 Asthma is a major health problem. In the United States, asthma affects approximately 12 million people, including men and women, adults and children, and all racial and ethnic groups.  Asthma is a disease that can damage the airways and lungs.  Previous research has suggested that the lungs of as many as 50% of chronic asthmatics may be infected with mycoplasma or chlamydia, bacteria that can be treated with macrolide antibiotics such as clarithro-mycin. The purpose of MIA is to determine whether individuals with asthma and chronic lung infections with myocoplasma or chlamydia benefit from the addition of an antibiotic to usual to usual medications.

 WHAT is Involved in Participating in MIA (a study on Macrolides In Asthma)

 MIA is a National Institutes of Health supported study for people with mild to moderate asthma.  Visits to the clinic will occur approximately 11 times over an 8 to 9 month period.  Convenient visits will be scheduled to minimize the impact on your personal schedule. All participants will be treated with standard asthma medications. In addition, in random order, half of the participants will receive an antibiotic and half will receive placebo.

 Each clinic visit will include measurement of lung function as well as other tests and/or questionnaires. To determine whether or not chronic infection is present, all subjects will undergo bronchoscopy (Click here to see a video of the procedure). Participants will receive interim phone calls to monitor their progress.  Participants will be seen by physicians and nurses who are always available to address asthma or other health concerns.

Participants will be compensated.

 Who is Eligible for MIA

To be enrolled in the study, individuals must…

·        be between the ages of 18 and 60.

·        have a history of mild or moderate asthma.

·        be otherwise healthy.

 Individuals who join the study will receive the  following benefits:

·        Free FDA Approved Asthma Medication

·         Free Consultation with Physicians, Nurses and Clinician Experts in Asthma

·         Financial Compensation upon Completion of Stages of the Study

·         Free Breathing Tests and Other Tests to  Assess Allergies and Asthma

·         Education about Asthma

·         Training in Asthma Self-Management

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