The role of anti-infectives in the treatment of refractory asthma

Refractory asthma not only has a significant effect on quality of life, but also imposes an economic burden on society. Increasing evidence suggests that there is a pathophysiologic interaction between infection and allergic disease in patients with severe or refractory asthma. Therapeutic trials of macrolides and azoles are being utilized in some patients with refractory asthma who fail to respond to standard therapy. In this article we review the definition of refractory asthma and the potential pathophysiologic interactions between infection and allergic disease. Emerging data suggest that microorganisms and their byproducts may be a therapeutic target in the therapy of patients with severe or refractory asthma.