Asthma
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterised by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which can lead to difficulties in breathing.
Common symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, particularly during physical activity or at night.
Various triggers such as allergens, smoke, pollution, and respiratory infections can exacerbate asthma symptoms.
Effective management typically involves a combination of medication, lifestyle adjustments, and avoiding known triggers.
Understanding this condition is crucial for those affected, enabling them to lead a healthy and active life while minimising the risk of severe asthma attacks.
Recommended Lung Function Tests
FeNO
According to the BTS/NICE/SIGN guidelines (2024), FeNO is the first line in objective measurements for diagnosing Asthma.
Nitric Oxide is a non-invasive biomarker used to assess for airway inflammation, particularly in conditions such as asthma.
By measuring the concentration of nitric oxide in exhaled breath, healthcare providers can gain insights into the underlying inflammatory processes within the respiratory system.
Elevated levels of FENO are often indicative of eosinophilic inflammation, which is commonly observed in allergic asthma.
This test aids in the diagnosis, monitoring, and management of asthma, providing valuable information that can guide treatment decisions and enhance patient outcomes.
As a reliable tool, FENO testing contributes to a more personalised approach to respiratory care.
Spirometry + Reversibility
Spirometry with reversibility is secondline in objective measurements for Asthma, if there is failure to get a positive result on FeNO and there is a strong clinical suspicion of Asthma.
FeNO may be negative for a number of reasons; a few of them are:
Smoking can falsely reduce FeNO results,
Inhaled corticosteroids
Non type 2 Asthma .