FeNO testing helps assess asthma inflammation, guiding personalized treatment. Smart devices enable convenient at-home monitoring for better control.
Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide, or FeNO, measures nitric oxide in your exhaled breath. Nitric oxide (NO) is a gas produced in the lungs, especially during inflammation. FeNO testing is a non-invasive way to assess airway inflammation, particularly in asthma. It's a simple breath test that provides valuable information about your lung health.
FeNO is particularly useful for indicating eosinophilic inflammation in the airways. Eosinophils are white blood cells that accumulate in the lungs during asthma, causing inflammation and symptoms. Elevated FeNO often suggests eosinophilic inflammation, helping doctors tailor treatment. For example, high FeNO might indicate the need for medications targeting eosinophilic inflammation, such as inhaled corticosteroids.
FeNO levels offer insights into asthma severity and control. Higher levels often correlate with more severe asthma and a higher likelihood of symptoms. However, FeNO levels vary, and other factors influence them. Doctors use FeNO alongside other tests for a comprehensive asthma assessment and treatment adjustment. Monitoring FeNO over time tracks treatment response.
Smart device FeNO monitors are a significant advancement, offering convenient and accessible airway inflammation measurement. These handheld devices connect wirelessly to smartphones or tablets, enabling at-home or on-the-go testing. This empowers patients to manage their asthma more effectively from home.
Accuracy and reliability are crucial. Studies show these devices provide results comparable to laboratory analyzers.1 However, proper technique and calibration are essential for maintaining accuracy. Follow manufacturer instructions and ensure regular calibration.
At-home FeNO monitoring offers several benefits. Tracking inflammation levels allows for proactive symptom management and potential prevention of exacerbations. It improves treatment adherence by providing tangible feedback. The convenience reduces the need for frequent clinic visits.
Asthma encompasses various subtypes with differing inflammatory profiles. Eosinophilic asthma features elevated eosinophils (white blood cells) in the airways, causing inflammation and symptoms. Non-eosinophilic asthma involves other inflammatory cells or a lack thereof. These subtypes respond differently to treatments.
Differentiating asthma subtypes allows for personalized medicine. Identifying the subtype optimizes treatment, minimizing side effects. This is crucial because many asthma patients remain poorly controlled despite standard treatments. A precise diagnosis improves asthma control and quality of life.
FeNO is a valuable tool for differentiating asthma types, especially in adolescents. Elevated FeNO levels are associated with eosinophilic inflammation. However, other factors can influence FeNO levels. Studies show FeNO is helpful in guiding treatment decisions in adolescents, but should be used with other clinical findings.
FeNO levels allow for a targeted approach to asthma management. Clinicians can identify patients with eosinophilic inflammation responsive to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). FeNO monitoring guides adjustments in ICS dosage or the addition of other medications. It can also guide ICS tapering in well-controlled patients.
Personalized asthma plans guided by FeNO levels improve asthma control and patient outcomes. Studies show FeNO-guided ICS dosage adjustments reduce exacerbations and improve lung function. This empowers patients and helps identify specific asthma phenotypes requiring different treatment strategies.
Case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of FeNO-guided asthma management. Examples include a teenager with persistently high FeNO levels despite treatment, leading to the addition of a leukotriene receptor antagonist, and an adult with well-controlled asthma and low FeNO levels allowing for safe ICS tapering.
Above Health offers personalized asthma management solutions. We tailor strategies to individual needs and triggers. Our approach includes a comprehensive assessment, personalized action plans, medication management, trigger identification, breathing techniques, lifestyle modifications, and continuous monitoring and support.
Above Health uses technology to enhance care. Our technology-driven solutions include remote monitoring, telehealth consultations, personalized education, and data-driven insights. Remote monitoring, for example, can improve asthma control.
Getting started with Above Health is straightforward. It involves an initial consultation, a comprehensive assessment, personalized action plan development, technology setup, and ongoing support and monitoring.
1[Link to ERJ Open Research article]
