6. Asthma Outpatient Management
The following tables are intended to guide clinical management along with other resources in this reference guide. These tables combine EPR and GINA recommendations for the management of asthma.
Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO)
Measurement of the fraction of nitric oxide in exhaled breath is used to assess type 2 (eosinophilic) inflammation in airways. It is not recommended to diagnosis asthma but is conditionally recommended by the EPR4 as an adjunct to the evaluation of those who are 5 years and older for whom the diagnosis of asthma is uncertain using history, exam, and spirometry or if spirometry cannot be performed appropriately. It should NOT be used alone to diagnose asthma.
The addition of FeNO is also conditionally recommended as part of ongoing asthma monitoring and management for those 5 years and older. It is likely most useful in those who require anti-inflammatory therapies, have atopy, or require frequent assessments. FeNO has only been shown to prevent exacerbations if used every 2-3 months. It has not been shown to be a useful assessment of adherence to ICS (Reference EPR4).
- Asthma Reference Guide Home
- 1. Introduction to Asthma
- 2. Asthma Diagnosis
- 3. Asthma Presentation
- 4. Goals of Asthma Therapy and Management
- 5. Asthma Severity and Asthma Control
- 6. Asthma Outpatient Management
- 7. Treating Modifiable Risk Factors
- 8. Treating Co-Morbid Conditions
- 9. Asthma Medications
- 10. Yellow Zone Therapy Options
- 11. Allergy Immunotherapy and Biologic Therapy
- 12. Asthma Exacerbations in the Emergency Department or Urgent Care
- 13. Special Asthma Considerations for Inpatient
- 14. Asthma Management in the PICU
- 15. Respiratory Support for Asthma Exacerbation
- 16. Asthma Education Resources