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.
Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide Testing for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma: A Health Technology Assessment (PDF)
July 2024
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The Ministry of Health is currently reviewing this recommendation.
The Ministry of Health has provided the following response: The Ministry has a standardized process in place to review health technology assessments and funding recommendations. This takes into consideration Ministry priorities, implementation options, the need for consultation with impacted stakeholders, and funding considerations.