Antibiotic ‘could help asthma sufferers’

AN antibiotic used for treating a range of infections could help those suffering serious asthma attacks, according to a study published yesterday.

The antibiotic Telithromycin, which is used for treating bacterial infections such as sinusitis, can speed up recovery in patients suffering attacks by three days, researchers found.

They found that the drug reduced asthmatic symptoms - which include heavy wheezing and a tight chest - and improved lung function in patients who had suffered a severe attack.