Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background:Exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) measurement is a valuable tool in the management of asthmatics. The present study was conducted to assess fractional exhaled nitric oxide in children with acute exacerbation of asthma. Materials & Methods:58 children with acute exacerbation of asthmaof both genders were selected. History was taken and a physical examination, and pulse oximetry was performed. The pulmonary score was used to determine the severity of acute asthma. The child had spirometry and FENO testing. Results: Out of 58 patients, males were 32 and females were 26.Family history showed asthma in 27 and nasal allergy, or eczema in 31 patients. Baseline asthma severity showed intermittent asthma in 8, mild persistent asthma in 24, moderate persistent asthma in 16 and severe persistent asthmain 10 patients. Atopy (skin prick testing) showed positive to at least one allergen in 19 and positive to more than one allergen in 39 patients. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). The mean FENO at enrolment (ppb), minimum FENO(ppb) and acute exacerbation(ppb) in intermittent asthma was 14.2, 5.7 and 11.8, in mild persistent was 15.6, 8.3, and 21.3, in moderate persistent was 14.7, 8.9 and 15.7, and in severe persistent was 20.5, 12.7, and 20.4 respectively. Conclusion: FeNO levels rise from their minimum follow-up levels after an acute exacerbation. Nevertheless, no suitable cutoff that could aid in the diagnosis of an acute exacerbation could be found.