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Updated: Jul 20, 2026

Chemiluminescence-based Assays for Detection of Nitric Oxide and its Derivatives from Autoxidation and Nitrosated Compounds
Published on: February 16, 2022
Exhaled nitric oxide measurements: clinical application and interpretation
D R Taylor1, M W Pijnenburg, A D Smith
1Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, P O Box 913, Dunedin, New Zealand. robin.taylor@stonebow.otago.ac.nz
Exhaled nitric oxide measurements (F(E)NO) are becoming vital for diagnosing airway inflammation and guiding steroid treatment in respiratory conditions. Portable devices now enable routine clinical use, aiding in personalized patient management.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Clinical Diagnostics
- Biomarker Research
Background:
- Exhaled nitric oxide measurements (F(E)NO) are increasingly recognized for their clinical utility.
- F(E)NO serves as a valuable surrogate marker for eosinophilic airway inflammation.
- Airway inflammation, particularly eosinophilic, is often responsive to corticosteroid therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the clinical significance and practical applications of F(E)NO measurements.
- To demonstrate the role of F(E)NO in assessing airway inflammation and guiding steroid treatment.
- To discuss the current status and future directions of F(E)NO in respiratory disease management.
Main Methods:
- Review of theoretical and practical factors supporting F(E)NO use.
- Analysis of F(E)NO as a marker for eosinophilic airway inflammation.
- Evaluation of F(E)NO's utility in steroid response monitoring and management.
Main Results:
- High F(E)NO levels can differentiate eosinophilic from non-eosinophilic airway pathologies.
- F(E)NO measurements effectively identify and monitor steroid responsiveness and requirements.
- Portable nitric oxide analyzers facilitate routine F(E)NO testing in clinical settings.
Conclusions:
- F(E)NO measurements are a valuable tool complementing pulmonary function tests for respiratory symptom assessment.
- F(E)NO aids in personalizing inhaled steroid therapy, identifying patients who benefit from or can cease treatment.
- Further research is needed on F(E)NO's role in preschool children and optimal use of individual profiles versus reference values.
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