Asthma Diagnosis Flashcards
What are the main tests for asthma?
Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO)
Spirometry
Peak Flow
Why is NO now being used in the diagnosis of asthma?
Inducible (iNOS) levels tend to rise in inflammatory cells, particularly eosinophils
Levels of NO therefore typically correlate with levels of inflammation.
How are patients >= 17 years diagnosed with asthma?
all patients should have
–spirometry with a bronchodilator reversibility (BDR) test
– a FeNO test
How are children 5-16 years diagnosed with asthma?
Spirometry with a bronchodilator reversibility (BDR) test
When might you consider carrying out an FeNO in a child 5-16?
If there is normal spirometry or obstructive spirometry with a negative bronchodilator reversibility (BDR) test
How should a diagnosis of asthma be made in a child younger than 5?
On clinical judgement
What is considered a positive FeNO in adults?
> = 40 parts per billion (ppb)
What is considered a positive FeNO in children?
> = 35 parts per billion (ppb)
What FEV1/FVC spirometry ratio would suggest asthma?
FEV1/FVC ratio less than 70%
Obstructive
What is considered a positive reversibility testing score in adults?
A improvement in FEV1 of 12% or more and increase in volume of 200 ml or more
What is considered a positive reversibility testing score in children?
An improvement in FEV1 of 12% or more
