An Overview of Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide and Children with Asthma

Asthma is the most common pediatric chronic disease and is characterized by lung inflammation. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is thought to reflect the presence of eosinophilic airway inflammation, and is an easy, non-invasive test that has held promise in providing additional objective data. However, not all studies have shown a clinical benefit in the use of FeNO to guide management of asthma in children. This review will describe the results of the most recent studies examining the use of FeNO in the diagnosis and treatment of asthma in infants, preschool-aged children and in school-aged children. It will aid the clinician in providing a clinical context in which FeNO may be most useful in treating pediatric asthma.