Asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath can change over time. Symptoms alone, however, do not always show how much inflammation is present inside the airways.

Fractional exhaled nitric oxide testing, commonly called FeNO testing, gives pulmonary providers another way to evaluate certain types of airway inflammation.

What Is FeNO Testing?

FeNO testing measures the amount of nitric oxide in a person’s exhaled breath.

Nitric oxide is naturally produced in the respiratory system. Higher levels may be associated with eosinophilic or Type 2 airway inflammation, which is common in many patients with asthma.

The test is quick, non-invasive, and usually completed during an office visit.

What Happens During a FeNO Test?

During the test, you will breathe in and then exhale steadily into a handheld device.

The equipment measures nitric oxide in the breath and produces a numerical result. The test is painless and typically takes only a few minutes.

Your provider may give preparation instructions, such as avoiding certain foods, smoking, or strenuous exercise before testing. Follow the specific directions provided by the office.

How Can FeNO Help Diagnose Asthma?

Asthma cannot be diagnosed from one test alone. Providers usually consider symptoms, medical history, physical examination, spirometry, response to medication, and other findings.

FeNO testing may provide additional information about whether eosinophilic airway inflammation is present. This can help support an asthma diagnosis when symptoms or standard testing do not provide a complete answer.

Pulmonary & Medicine Associates offers FeNO testing as part of its pulmonary diagnostic services.

How Can FeNO Help Monitor Treatment?

FeNO testing may also be used to monitor inflammation over time.

A provider may compare results to determine whether:

• Airway inflammation appears controlled
• An anti-inflammatory treatment is working
• Symptoms may be caused by something other than asthma
• Medication use needs to be reviewed
• Additional evaluation is appropriate

FeNO results should always be interpreted alongside symptoms and other tests. A high or low number does not provide a complete diagnosis by itself.

FeNO and Personalized Asthma Care

Asthma is not identical in every patient. Some people have inflammation that responds well to inhaled corticosteroids, while others may have different asthma patterns or another condition causing similar symptoms.

By adding objective information about airway inflammation, FeNO testing may help providers make more informed decisions about treatment.

This can reduce unnecessary guesswork and support a plan based on the patient’s specific symptoms and test results.

Who May Benefit From FeNO Testing?

A provider may consider FeNO testing for someone who:

• Has possible asthma
• Continues to have symptoms despite treatment
• Needs inflammation monitoring
• Is adjusting asthma medication
• Has cough or wheezing with an unclear cause
• Needs additional information alongside spirometry

Other pulmonary tests may also be recommended. PMA provides pulmonary function testing to evaluate airflow, lung volume, and respiratory function.

Prepare for Your Appointment

Bring a list of your medications, including inhalers. Tell your provider:

• How often symptoms occur
• Whether symptoms wake you at night
• How frequently you use a rescue inhaler
• Whether you have missed work or activities
• What may trigger your symptoms
• Whether treatment has helped

These details help your provider interpret testing in context.

Schedule FeNO Testing in Warren, MI

FeNO testing offers a quick and non-invasive way to measure airway inflammation and support more personalized asthma care.

Pulmonary & Medicine Associates provides advanced pulmonary diagnostics and patient-centered asthma management in Warren, Michigan.

Call (586) 751-8844 or request an appointment to ask whether FeNO testing may be appropriate for you.

The post What Is FeNO Testing and How Can It Improve Asthma Care? appeared first on Pulmonary And Medicine Associates.