FeNO asthma tests are gaining a lot of attention in the clinical landscape. Nitric oxide, a substance found in the atmosphere (particularly areas with high air pollution) can be produced in the body when a person suffers from high levels of inflammation. The FeNO asthma test can indicate the presence of impending asthma issues in some patients.
The NO substance comes from the L-arginine NO synthase enzyme, which occurs in three formats. The gaseous molecule can appear in each exhaled breath for a person with asthma, making the FeNO test a valuable tool for the pathophysiology of asthma.
Measuring the evidence of inflammation through a FeNO test could also pave the way for recommendations on clinical treatment opportunities.
Understanding the FeNO test
Patients with breathing conditions regularly suffer from inflammation of the airways. The FeNO test allows clinicians to determine whether biomarkers are evident to indicate the presence of asthma. The measurements can also assist doctors in determining whether treatment for asthmatic conditions is working. It is only possible to identify certain kinds of asthma with a FeNO test.
To obtain a sample of NO produced by the human bronchial tubes, the test much fractionate the exhaled breath. The NO fraction taken from the bronchoalveolar chamber can be measured through slow and controlled exhalation into a mouthpiece. Patients need to breathe in deeply, then breath out little by little until they have emptied their lungs.
The results of a FeNO asthma test, measured in parts per billion, will show healthcare professionals how inflamed a person’s airways are, and whether asthma may be an issue for the individual in question. Numerous studies have verified the value of using FeNO asthma test for measuring airway inflammation.
Not only does FeNO based monitoring allow clinicians to detect the initial signs that an asthmatic condition may be present, but it provides insights into the kind of medical treatments and solutions that may be suitable for each case.
Treating inflammation of the airways
Following the successful measurement of NO in the airways through a FeNO asthma test, clinical professionals can offer the correct treatment in the form of bronchodilators and medications. Nitric oxide testing can help to predict whether steroid medications for the reduction of inflammation will be helpful with a case of asthma.
As respiratory conditions continue to perplex the medical community, further study is also underway into the kind of natural solutions that may be suitable for inflammatory issues. Various medical mushrooms have been proven to have a positive impact on the inflammatory issues within the airways, including:
- Cordyceps: This medical mushroom is proven to reduce inflammation and improve immune system performance. Studies into asthmatic patients discovered that Cordyceps as a supplement to pharmacological treatment could reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract. From a preventative perspective, cordyceps are also useful in reducing the aging of bronchial cells that may be damaged by smoke and air pollution.
- Polyporus: This mushroom could play an interesting role in the management of mucous and draining within the respiratory system. Polyporus has a unique ability to enhance the removal of toxins from the body, thereby reducing inflammation.
- Reishi: The Reishi mushroom limits excessive mucus production and reduces inflammation through the presence of triterpenoids. The anti-inflammatory potential of Reishi mushroom supplements is comparable to the results of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This substance could help to manage the chronic conditions caused in asthma patients.
Responding to FeNO asthma measurement
FeNO asthma testing is a valuable tool in the clinician’s kit for detecting and understanding respiratory conditions, including asthma. With this technology, it’s possible to track a patient’s therapeutic progress, and determine whether supplementation is necessary to enhance the results of an existing pharmacological treatment.
Increased FeNO values would indicate the worsening of a condition and may suggest that a patient is not responding as he or she should to the presence of the correct steroids and anti-inflammation tools. Additionally, the use of FeNO asthma measurements could become a valuable tool in the medical world for fully evaluating the potential impact of natural supplements on the treatment of respiratory conditions.
Using this tool, researchers will be able to gain a better overview of how medicinal mushrooms in their supplemental form can have a significant impact on the inflammation and mucus creation elements of the asthmatic condition. A varied diet and consistent supplementation could soon become the key to a comprehensive treatment plan for those with asthma primarily caused by the presence of excessive or growing inflammation.