Non-invasive FeNO testing for asthma care

Non-invasive FeNO testing for asthma care

February 4, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Health

Asthma is a chronic lung condition affecting approximately 262 million people worldwide, characterized by inflammation of the airways.1 Common symptoms include breathlessness, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness.

The Growing Burden of Asthma

Breathing can become difficult when airways are inflamed. Recent data from Asthma + Lung UK indicates a significant strain on healthcare systems, with over 42,000 people requiring emergency care in 2023/2024 after visiting five or more times within a 12-month period.2 This highlights the critical need for improved asthma management strategies.

Did You Know? Asthma is one of the most common long-term diseases of children, but adults can also develop the condition.5

Understanding FeNO Testing

Effective asthma management relies on assessing airway inflammation. Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) tests offer a simple method for measuring nitric oxide levels, which increase when airways are inflamed. A FeNO test using a device like the NObreath® is quick, easy, non-invasive, and provides accurate results.

Interpreting FeNO Levels

FeNO levels are measured in parts per billion (ppb). According to guidelines from the American Thoracic Society (ATS) and the European Respiratory Society (ERS), levels below 25 ppb are considered low, 25-50 ppb are intermediate, and above 50 ppb are high.3,4 These levels can aid in diagnosing asthma.

Image Credit: Bedfont® Scientific Ltd

The Role of the NObreath®

The NObreath®, manufactured by Bedfont® Scientific Limited, has been used to improve asthma management for over 15 years. Bedfont® has over 48 years of experience in designing and manufacturing medical breath analysis devices. The device is suitable for both adults and children and can be used in primary and secondary care settings.

Expert Insight: FeNO testing allows healthcare professionals to track underlying airway inflammation, which cannot be directly observed, and can aid in asthma diagnosis when used with a patient’s medical history.

Benefits of FeNO Testing

FeNO testing is valuable throughout the asthma care pathway. It assists in diagnosis and guides treatment decisions, allowing healthcare professionals to tailor inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) therapy, identify steroid responsiveness, and adjust treatment strategies accordingly. Consistently high FeNO levels may indicate poor adherence to ICS medication.

Joint guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the British Thoracic Society (BTS), and the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) now recommend FeNO as a first-line test for asthma diagnosis.

Challenges and Future Directions

A key challenge to wider adoption of FeNO testing is accessibility. Funding for FeNO devices varies, with some areas covered by Integrated Care Boards (ICB) and others relying on Primary Care Networks (PCN) or individual General Practice (GP) surgeries. Improved access to FeNO testing is needed to enhance asthma management and reduce the burden on healthcare systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical symptoms of asthma?

Typical symptoms include breathlessness, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness.3,5,6

What does a FeNO test measure?

A FeNO test measures the level of nitric oxide in exhaled breath, which indicates airway inflammation.3

Is FeNO testing recommended for asthma diagnosis?

Yes, guidelines from NICE, BTS, and SIGN now recommend FeNO as a first-line test for asthma diagnosis.8

As asthma continues to affect millions globally, what role do you believe innovative diagnostic tools like FeNO testing will play in improving patient outcomes?