A latest report from PwC commissioned by Asthma+Lung UK has highlighted the alarming crisis surrounding Lung Health within the UK. Sarah Woolnough, CEO of Asthma+Lung UK, said lung conditions were the third biggest killer within the UK, with the report finding that on account of the dearth of testing, resembling FeNO monitoring, patients will also be wrongly diagnosed and an estimated 750,000 people in England are misdiagnosed with asthma, costing the NHS an estimated £132 million every 12 months.
Image Credit: Bedfont Scientific Ltd.
Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) is a non-invasive medical test that measures the extent of nitric oxide in an individual’s breath. It’s a pivotal advancement in asthma care, offering precise insights into airway inflammation. By facilitating accurate diagnoses, personalising treatment plans, and enabling ongoing monitoring of asthma control, FeNO empowers healthcare providers to optimise medication use, reduce exacerbations, and enhance patient engagement. This transformative tool not only improves the standard of life for people with asthma but in addition contributes to more practical, cost-efficient healthcare management, ultimately making a profound impact on the battle against this chronic respiratory condition.
Carol Stonham MBE, RN, MSc, Queen’s Nurse, and Policy Lead PCRS, explains, “Making an accurate diagnosis of asthma relies on taking an accurate history after which performing appropriate tests to substantiate the diagnosis. Spirometry (a test of lung function) was stopped in the course of the pandemic and has been very slow to restart. FeNO testing provides a precious piece of the jigsaw to substantiate whether an individual has asthma (or not). It’s a really quick test to perform and most of the people find it easy to do. The premise of asthma is airway inflammation which is what the FeNO test gives a sign of. It helps confirm a diagnosis quickly and simply and helps the patient higher understand their condition and the way inhalers work to treat the condition. It helps clinicians make the proper diagnosis in a timely way and get the person onto the proper treatment pathway avoiding unnecessary hospital admission and life-threatening asthma attacks.”
Jason Smith, Managing Director at Bedfont Scientific, comments, “As a number one manufacturer of breath evaluation medical devices, we understand the pivotal role that innovation plays in enhancing patient care and healthcare efficiency. FeNO testing is a major example of such innovation. We remain committed to advancing respiratory care and hope that in working towards our mission to make healthcare more accessible, our NObreath® FeNO monitor will help make a positive impact on the lives of people living with asthma.”
Livio Gagliardi, Acting Managing Director at Intermedical, adds, “Because the official UK distributor for NObreath®, we understand the importance of accessibility and affordability. We take pride in offering a versatile three-year rental plan for the NObreath® FeNO device. Our aim is to support practices and Primary Care Networks, no matter their size or testing volume, in ensuring equal access to FeNO testing for his or her patients. We’re well aware of the financial constraints faced by healthcare providers and patients alike.”
“What sets us apart is our democratic cost per test pricing policy. We don’t penalise smaller practices; as an alternative, we maintain a low fixed cost per test, no matter the amount of tests conducted per 12 months. Which means that even the smallest practices can profit from our cost-effective solution. Our rental program for the NObreath® FeNO device serves as an important link, as we actively strive to narrow the gap and make advanced respiratory care accessible to everyone.”
The complete report will be found here: https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/saving-your-breath
To contact Intermedical, please call 01732 522444 or email [email protected]
References:
- Asthma+Lung UK. Saving Your Breath: How Higher Lung Health Advantages Us All. September 2023. Available from: https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/saving-your-breath-report