The latest Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) report,1 published this year, highlighted that asthma is a heterogeneous condition, usually caused by chronic airway inflammation.
In recent years, there has been greater recognition of the fact that asthma can present in a variety of ways and with different endotypes (physiological pathways) driving the phenotype (how the asthma ‘behaves’).
This article explores these differences with a focus on how biomarkers, and specifically fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) testing can support the diagnosis and management of asthma.
By the end of this article the reader should be able to:
- Recognise the key drivers of asthma phenotypes.
- Understand the role of history taking and objective tests in the diagnosis of asthma.
- Consider how FeNO testing can be used to support the diagnostic process.
- Interpret FeNO results in context.
- Consider the use of FeNO in the ongoing management of asthma.
Beverley Bostock RGN MSc MA QN
Beverley Bostock is an Advanced Nurse Practitioner, PCN Nurse Coordinator Hereford and Asthma Lead, Association of Respiratory Nurse Specialists
Sep 12, 2022
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