Excessive accumulation of mucus in children with asthma: a potential role for erythromycin? A case discussion.

A case of severe, life-threatening, reactive airway disease with excessive accumulation of mucus was treated with erythromycin. A sudden remarkable improvement in mobilization of mucus was observed after erythromycin treatment. With the addition of aerosol steroids and cromolyn, the incidence of acute respiratory distress diminished considerably. This occurred after ineffective trials of nebulized beta-adrenergic agents, atropine, cromolyn, aerosol beclomethasone, N-acetylcysteine, and high-dose daily prednisone.