Exhaled nitric oxide testing is used to monitor response to which type of treatment?

Exhaled nitric oxide testing is used to monitor response to which type of treatment?

• A. To monitor response to bronchodilator therapy
• B. To monitor response to antibiotic therapy
• C. To monitor response to mucolytic therapy
• D. To monitor response to anti-inflammatory treatment

Answer: (D)

Exhaled nitric oxide testing reflects airway inflammation, especially the eosinophilic inflammation seen in asthma. When inflammation is active, the airway lining releases more nitric oxide, so FeNO is elevated. Anti-inflammatory treatments like inhaled corticosteroids reduce this airway inflammation, and FeNO levels typically decrease as the treatment takes effect. That’s why FeNO is used to monitor response to anti-inflammatory therapy rather than to assess bronchodilators, antibiotics, or mucolytics, which target different aspects of airway disease. Remember that FeNO should be interpreted alongside clinical assessment and other tests, since factors like age, atopy, and environmental influences can affect readings.

Exhaled nitric oxide testing reflects airway inflammation, especially the eosinophilic inflammation seen in asthma. When inflammation is active, the airway lining releases more nitric oxide, so FeNO is elevated. Anti-inflammatory treatments like inhaled corticosteroids reduce this airway inflammation, and FeNO levels typically decrease as the treatment takes effect. That’s why FeNO is used to monitor response to anti-inflammatory therapy rather than to assess bronchodilators, antibiotics, or mucolytics, which target different aspects of airway disease. Remember that FeNO should be interpreted alongside clinical assessment and other tests, since factors like age, atopy, and environmental influences can affect readings.