Volume 18, Issue s18 pp. 28-30

Exhaled nitric oxide in children with asthma and sinusitis

S. Carraro

S. Carraro

Department of Pediatrics, University of Padova, Padova, Italy

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G. Gottardi

G. Gottardi

Department of Pediatrics, University of Padova, Padova, Italy

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G. Bonetto

G. Bonetto

Department of Pediatrics, University of Padova, Padova, Italy

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E. Baraldi

E. Baraldi

Department of Pediatrics, University of Padova, Padova, Italy

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First published: 28 August 2007
Citations: 7
Prof. Eugenio Baraldi, Department of Pediatrics, Unit of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 3, 35128 Padova, Italy
Tel.: +39 (0)49 8213560
Fax: +39 (0)49 8213502
E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) is a surrogate marker of eosinophilic airway inflammation. The measurement of this gas can be easily performed in children and the result is immediately available. Because of these characteristics, measurement of FENO is slowly becoming part of the routine clinical evaluation of an asthmatic patient. FENO measurement may have a role both in the diagnosis of asthma and as a guide in therapy algorithms. For example when FENO levels are persistently normal and the asthmatic child is asymptomatic, the steroid therapy may be decreased or even stopped. In patients with acute or chronic rhinosinusitis the levels of nasal nitric oxide (nNO) are significantly decreased, while they rise up after a course of antibiotics. The measurement of nasal NO has been proposed as a functional test to evaluate sinus ventilation. Nasal NO is significantly reduced also in primary ciliary dyskinesia and can be used as a screening tool to identify patients affected by this condition.

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