What is FeNO?
FeNO stands for Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide. It is a test that helps doctors learn more about your asthma. When you breathe out, your lungs release a gas called nitric oxide. This gas can show how much swelling (inflammation) is in your airways. It helps providers better understand allergic or eosinophilic asthma.
Why is FeNO Testing Important?
If you have asthma, your airways can become swollen, making breathing harder. The FeNO test helps doctors:
- See how much swelling is in your airways
- Decide if your asthma medicine is working
- Adjust your treatment to help you breathe better
How is the Test Done?
The FeNO test is simple, quick, and painless. Here’s what happens:
- You take a deep breath in.
- You slowly breathe out into a special machine.
- The machine measures how much nitric oxide is in your breath.
- Your doctor looks at the results to help manage your asthma.
What Do the Results Mean?
- Low FeNO: Little or no swelling in your airways.
- Moderate FeNO: Some swelling is present.
- High FeNO: A lot of swelling, which means your asthma may not be well-controlled.
What Happens After the Test?
Your doctor will use the results to adjust your asthma treatment, if needed. If your FeNO level is high, you may need a different or stronger asthma medicine. If your FeNO level is low, your treatment might be working well.
Is FeNO Testing Safe?
Yes! The FeNO test is safe for children and adults. It does not hurt, and there are no needles involved.
Talk to Your Allergist
If you have asthma or trouble breathing, ask your allergist about FeNO testing. It may help make sure you get the best treatment to keep your asthma under control!
