Exhaled nitric oxide decreases during exercise in non-asthmatic children

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Dual Test Gas Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity Measurement During Exercise in Humans Using the Single-Breath Method
08:44

Dual Test Gas Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity Measurement During Exercise in Humans Using the Single-Breath Method

Published on: February 2, 2024

Bjørg Evjenth1, Tonje E Hansen, Jan Holt

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Women's Health, Nordland Hospital, Bodø, Norway. bjorg.evjenth@gmail.com

The Clinical Respiratory Journal
|April 24, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) significantly decreases after exercise in children. Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms correlate with a greater FENO reduction, reinforcing the need to avoid physical activity before FENO testing.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Allergy and Immunology
  • Respiratory Physiology

Background:

  • Exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) measurement is recommended before spirometry and exercise tests due to potential FENO value alterations from forced breathing.
  • Limited data exists on the impact of exercise on FENO levels in non-asthmatic children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effect of a standardized treadmill exercise challenge test on FENO in non-asthmatic children.
  • To compare FENO changes in children with and without allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (AR) symptoms.

Main Methods:

  • 330 non-asthmatic children aged 8-16 years participated.
  • FENO was measured at baseline, 1 minute, and 30 minutes post-exercise using the single breath technique.
  • Participants were categorized based on the presence or absence of AR symptoms.

Main Results:

  • A significant reduction in FENO was observed 1 minute (27.4%) and 30 minutes (16.1%) post-exercise (P < 0.001).
  • Children with AR symptoms showed a greater FENO decline at 1 minute post-exercise (4.2 ppb) compared to those without AR (2.6 ppb) (P < 0.001).
  • A baseline FENO ≥ 20 ppb was associated with a more significant immediate post-exercise decline (mean reduction 9.9 ppb).

Conclusions:

  • Standardized treadmill exercise significantly reduces FENO in non-asthmatic children.
  • The decline in FENO post-exercise is more pronounced in children with AR symptoms.
  • These findings support the recommendation for children to avoid physical activity prior to FENO measurements.
Abstract

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