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Updated: Jul 12, 2026
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A Novel Inhalation Mask System to Deliver High Concentrations of Nitric Oxide Gas in Spontaneously Breathing Subjects
Published on: May 4, 2021
Exhaled nitric oxide in children with asthma and sinusitis
S Carraro1, G Gottardi, G Bonetto
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
Summary
Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is a simple test for airway inflammation in asthma. Nasal nitric oxide (nNO) can help diagnose sinus issues and primary ciliary dyskinesia.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) serves as a key indicator of eosinophilic airway inflammation.
- FeNO measurements are non-invasive, rapid, and easily performed in pediatric populations.
- Nasal nitric oxide (nNO) levels are notably reduced in patients with acute or chronic rhinosinusitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the diagnostic and therapeutic guidance roles of FeNO in asthma management.
- To investigate the potential of nNO measurement as a functional test for evaluating sinus ventilation.
- To assess the utility of nNO as a screening tool for primary ciliary dyskinesia.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing FeNO measurements to assess airway inflammation in asthmatic patients.
- Measuring nNO levels in patients with rhinosinusitis before and after antibiotic treatment.
- Evaluating nNO levels in patients diagnosed with primary ciliary dyskinesia.
Main Results:
- FeNO measurement is increasingly integrated into routine asthma evaluations.
- Persistently normal FeNO levels in asymptomatic asthmatic children may allow for reduced or discontinued steroid therapy.
- nNO levels decrease in rhinosinusitis and increase post-antibiotics, suggesting a role in assessing sinus ventilation.
- Significantly reduced nNO levels are observed in primary ciliary dyskinesia.
Conclusions:
- FeNO is a valuable tool for diagnosing asthma and guiding treatment adjustments.
- nNO measurement shows promise as a functional test for sinus ventilation and a screening method for primary ciliary dyskinesia.
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