Breathing Test for Asthma

The concept of better understanding what is happening in the body by analyzing molecules from exhaled air is not uncommon. In fact, it is the basis for the breathalyzer, a common test used by law enforcement to determine if people are over the legal limit for alcohol. A recent report from the European Respiratory Society meeting, shows that a simple breath test, that can be used to diagnose asthma, can help predict whether those with chonic cough might benefit from the use of inhaled steroids. The test measures the level of nitric oxide in exhaled breath. This gas is produced at times of chronic inflammation. The test only takes 10 minutes to perform. The researchers evaluated the benefit of steroids in 41 patients with chronic cough, of whom most had asthma. Nearly 2 out of 3 patients had high exhaled nitric oxide levels. Of these, nearly 90% developed relief from steroids. Of those with normal nitric oxide levels less than 10% derived benefit from steroids. Patients with asthma may benefit from inhaled steroids. This new research shows that a new breath test may help determine who may benefit from the use of this treatment.