Ethan, 18, had hopes of joining the army. He wasn’t experiencing symptoms of asthma and wanted to stop his treatment. Ethan decided to have a check-up with his doctor to see if his asthma had gone away, gearing him up for joining the army.
Ethan had been diagnosed with asthma as a young child and had been on regular treatment to control it. Now, with military aspirations, he felt his lungs were strong enough, especially since he’d been symptom-free during recent physical training. Confident that his asthma was in the past, he wanted medical confirmation so he could safely stop his medication before joining the army.
FeNO Testing: Reality Check
To make sure he was making a safe choice, Ethan’s doctors conducted a FeNO (Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide) test. FeNO testing measures the level of nitric oxide in the breath, a marker for airway inflammation seen in asthma. The result came in at 58 parts per billion (ppb), a level that suggested ongoing inflammation in Ethan’s airways. This result showed that, despite his lack of symptoms, his asthma was still present.
The team also conducted a spirometry test, which measures lung function and airflow. The results confirmed that Ethan’s lung function was sub-optimal, further indicating that asthma was affecting his airways even if he wasn’t feeling it.
Reassessing the Plan
Although disappointed by the test results, Ethan understood that his asthma hadn’t completely resolved. His doctor explained that, while he may feel strong now, stopping his asthma treatment could lead to a flare-up, especially with the intense physical demands of military training. Ethan agreed to continue his medication as a preventive measure, to ensure his asthma remained controlled.
For Ethan, FeNO testing provided an objective look at his airways, revealing persistent inflammation despite his lack of symptoms. This insight helped him make an informed decision about his treatment, ensuring his asthma remains under control as he pursues his goals. This case illustrates the value of FeNO testing for asthma patients, especially those who may feel symptom-free but still have underlying airway inflammation.
With FeNO testing, patients like Ethan can make confident choices about their asthma management – choices that enable them to pursue their dreams without compromising their health.
This case study is based on true events. Names and ages have been changed for confidentiality.