Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that interferes with a person’s breathing. Common symptoms of asthma include coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness. The severity of symptoms can vary from minor to life-threatening and can change over time. Although asthma has no cure, its symptoms can be controlled. Asthma is diagnosed using a review of the patient’s medical history, a physical exam, and a lung function test that measures the strength of a person’s breathing.
Nitric oxide is a gas that is present at low levels in the lungs but that may be present in larger quantities when the airways are inflamed (a condition that is often associated with asthma). The fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) test may help in the diagnosis and management of asthma by measuring the amount of nitric oxide in the breath.
This health technology assessment looked at how accurate, effective, and cost-effective FeNO testing is for children and adults who have or may have asthma. It also looked at the budget impact of publicly funding FeNO testing and at the experiences, preferences, and values of people with asthma.
Read the full health technology assessment report for more information.
We reviewed evidence on the use of fractional exhaled nitric oxide testing to diagnose and manage asthma.
Read the latest draft recommendation and share your feedback.
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Posting date: April 16, 2024
Closing date: May 7, 2024