A growing interest has recently directed toward non invasive methods, such as exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) measurement and exhaled breath condensate (EBC) collection, for the assessment of asthmatic inflammation. FENO is a reliable marker of eosinophilic airway inflammation and it can be measured by means of a standardized technique in children starting from the age of 4. FENO may have useful applications both in asthma diagnosis and monitoring. EBC is obtained cooling exhaled air and its composition is believed to mirror the characteristics of airway lining fluid. The compounds detected in EBC are markers of inflammation and oxidative stress occurring in asthmatic lung. While EBC is still only a research tool, FENO measurement is closer to clinical practice and lately it has been included in some treatment algorithms for asthma.
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