Attacking Asthma with a New Test -- Research Summary

BACKGROUND: Over 24 million people experience the effects of asthma, in which asthma causes their airways to swell and narrow. The effects of severe asthma can interfere with people's daily activities. Although it cannot be cured, it can still be controlled. The first step to finding the right treatment is by having an accurate diagnosis. With the N-O Asthma Breath test, levels of nitric oxide are measured by just a few strong exhales.
(SOURCE : http://www.webmd.com/ ; http://www.mayoclinic.com/)

SYMPTOMS: Signs and symptoms caused by asthma can include shortness of breath, an audible wheezing or whistling sound while breathing, and also chest tightness or pain. (http://www.mayoclinic.com/)

CAUSES: The causes of asthma can either be environmental or genetic factors. Asthma can be due to airborne allergens, respiratory infections, cold air and even certain medications. (http://www.mayoclinic.com/)

ABOUT THE BREATH TEST: Nitric oxide is already produced by the body, but too much can be a sign of swollen airways which is a sign of asthma. Therefore, the N-O Asthma Breath test can detect if there are high levels of nitric oxide. This differs from the Spirometer, in which it is only a simple breathing test that only measures how fast one can blow air out of their lungs helping to determine airway obstruction. The N-O Asthma Breath test is more accurate, helping to diagnose those difficult cases of asthma. (SOURCE : http://www.webmd.com/)

APPLICATION: For the test, the patient will be seated while the doctor puts in the mouthpiece that is attached with a tube that leads to an electronic measurement device. Then, the patient will be asked to exhale air at a steady pace, often times while watching a computer monitor that registers how much the patient is breathing out. The test takes about five minutes for the device to register the nitric oxide levels.
Patients are asked to avoid the use of an asthma inhaler, eating and drinking, exercising and the use of tobacco, toothpaste or mouthwash, two hours before taking the test.
(SOURCE: www. mayoclinic.com ) MORE Attacking Asthma with a New Test -- Research Summary | Medical News and Health Information

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Tora Vinci
Media Relations
Cleveland Clinic
(216)444 -2412
vinciv@ccf.org

first step:
Attacking Asthma with a New Test Medical News and Health Information

third step:

Attacking Asthma with a New Test -- In Depth Doctor's Interview | Medical News and Health Information