Help the development of the site, sharing the article with friends!
The asthma test measures the level of nitric oxide (FeNO) in the exhaled air, and is the most effective method of diagnosing asthma today, experts argue. A simple and quick test determines whether allergic rhinitis is the onset of asthma and whether the dose of steroids taken by a diagnosed patient is not unnecessarily high.
The most effectiveasthma testismeasures the amount of nitric oxide (FeNO) in the exhaled air . Its importance is all the more so because symptoms similar to asthma may be manifested by several diseases. Even common symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing and trouble breathing don't necessarily mean you have the condition. Moreover, asthma does not have to be confirmed by the results of exercise tolerance tests or spirometric tests. On the other hand, what you thought so far as seasonal allergic rhinitis may well be the beginning of your asthma.
What is nitric oxide (FeNO) measurement and how does it work?
Measuring the nitric oxide in the exhaled air is very helpful in diagnosing asthma. This simple, quick and safe examination (one exhalation to a special apparatus is enough) gives detailed information about the inflammatory process, characteristic of asthma. According to specialists, this test has a very high specificity in the diagnosis of this disease. And the FeNO level test itself is very simple. It takes about a minute to check the amount of nitric oxide in one easy breath. The test result shows increased inflammation of the airways.
Asthma test also useful for allergic rhinitis
Dr hab. Ziemowit Ziętkowski from the Department of Allergology and Internal Diseases of the Medical University of Białystok, who has been using this diagnostic method for many years, informs that testing the level of nitric oxide in the exhaled air is very useful, also in the diagnosis of seasonal allergies. The symptoms of asthma in such allergies can often be confused with those of allergic rhinitis (allergic rhinitis). The FeNO study states with great certainty whether it is really only rhinitis or seasonal asthma. Similarly, in people allergic to seasonal allergens, the presence of inflammation, indicated by elevated levelsnitric oxide, may indicate the coexistence of allergic rhinitis and seasonal asthma - says Dr. Ziemowit Ziętkowski. Allergic rhinitis is a risk factor for the development of asthma. The symptoms of AR often precede the onset of asthma, and their appearance in the first years of life means susceptibility to atopic diseases. Studies have shown that the risk of developing asthma is several times higher in patients with AR than in the control group. - Similarly, in the case of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), elevated nitric oxide levels are important information for a specialist. It indicates that the patient needs to be further investigated for asthma or that he or she is suffering from 'asthma'. overlapping syndrome - explains Dr. Ziętkowski.
Asthma test in treatment monitoring
Testing the level of nitric oxide is useful not only in diagnostics, but also in monitoring the treatment of asthma. Thanks to it, the doctor can check that the dose of inhaled steroids taken by the patient is appropriate. - Treatment should be carried out with the lowest dose of drugs that effectively controls the inflammatory process. Assessing your nitric oxide levels also helps when your asthma gets worse or you lose control of your asthma treatment. You can use it to tell if you need to change or intensify your treatment because, for example, an exacerbation is imminent or you are in danger of losing control of your asthma.
Asthma test: availability
Only a few years ago, the nitric oxide test could only be performed in clinics that had the appropriate equipment. Today, thanks to the miniaturization of test apparatus, specialists have much easier access to them. - The growing awareness among patients that such a test can be performed and that it is needed for proper diagnosis and treatment monitoring is also important, says Dr. Ziętkowski.
Press materials of the website www.odczulanie.info.pl