Asthma Support Group

Hey All,

The largest health care insurer, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield in the Mid-Atlantic has adopted a policy stating that measurement of exhaled nitric oxide is considered medically necessary in the management of asthma patients.

Check this link...........

http://notesnet.carefirst.com/ecom...

I did the test and failed it on the 3rd test. It tells the doctor if you have asthma and how bad your asthma is. Because I failed it on the 3rd try, there are 6 tests, they don't make you continue the test. You are done and then they give you albuteral when you are done. I was scared to but, I kept getting treated with the wrong dosage of medication.
Hope that Helps. Michelle

Thanks Michelle. I had the test done last Friday, it was nothing to worry about at all, I had to breathe in a salty mist, equivelant to seawater, first I had to use a spirometer, then breath in the saline solution, half a minute, then spirometer, 1 min saline, spirometer, 2 min saline, spirometer, 4 min saline, spirometer, then I was supposed to breathe in the saline solution fo 8 minutes but after testing with the spirometer they decided on 4 minutes instead of 8.
Then I got 4 puffs of ventolin , al in all it took about 3 quarters of an hour, In 2 weeks time I have to have another lung-function test, not sure what's involved, that's done at the doctors surgery and in December I will get the results. I haven't needed to take any medication or puffers so hope all is ok.

Hey Joost,

Great to hear that. Take care.

Thanks jessibrown

Hey Joost,

Few days back I went to Doctor to check my asthma level and he used a device called Insight eNO system. The device, about the size of a phone console, allows physicians to measure exhaled nitric oxide (eNO), an indicator of airway inflammation. A biosensor detects trace amounts of nitric oxide molecules in a single breath, using Sol-Gel technology. Sol-Gel changes color when put in contact with exhaled nitric oxide. When we are able to measure exhaled nitric oxide, then doctors can adjust medication and give someone more medication — or conversely, less medication — to keep our exhaled nitric oxide levels or eNO levels very low. He gave medication to me based on my eNO level and I am really feeling better now. I have read about this device during my research on Asthma and I think I have shared few information with you. But I really felt excited when I saw my doctor using this device.

Thanks for that info jessibrown, I think I'm having that test done on Monday, not sure, on my appointment form it say's;
Full lung function (spirometry, lung volumes, gas transfer)
Does that sound like it? But I'm still not convinced that I have Asthma, I have not been taking any medication as it doesn't seem to make any difference, I think my breathlessness is mostly due to anxiety and it seems worse in the early morning, hope it's not COPD.
Have been exercising more and do breathing exercises as well and meditation for anxiety, that all helps.

Hey Joost,

Exercises and medication really helps to control anxiety and breathing problems. I pray that you find relief soon.Take care.

Hey Jessi,

Thanks for your information on the device Insight eNO. This device is quiet interesting. I am going to research more on this device and I even wanted to ask my doctor about it.