Pollution and lung health
Last updated: April 2025
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The total impact of air pollution and household pollution is associated with 7 million premature deaths each year.3 In some notable regions, such as South Asia, it is estimated that 33% of deaths occurred due to air pollution alone.4 This therefore reflects the escalating public health crisis that air pollution presents.
For patients with respiratory diseases, such as asthma, air pollution poses significant implications.1 It is suggested that around 99% of the global population reside in areas where air quality fails to meet WHO guidelines.5 Markers of air pollution, such as high ambient nitric oxide (NO) levels, highlight key correlations between elevated levels of ambient NO and airway irritation in patients with respiratory conditions – noting an increase in exacerbation risk, worsening symptoms and even the triggering of onset asthma in some cases.5-8
This is especially concerning as ambient NO levels can vary between 2-500 ppb depending on the environment, with greater levels of ambient NO typically found in denser urban areas.8-10 Consequently, as environmental pollutants rise, so does the burden on patients with asthma, making accurate diagnosis and management more critical than ever.1
Encourage patients to continue using their preventer and reliever inhalers as prescribed, even when symptoms are mild.8 Additionally, ensure that patients are trained in proper inhaler technique to ensure that medication is delivered effectively.11
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One tool that has proven to be instrumental in asthma care and assessing medication adherence is Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) testing.12 This simple, non-invasive test measures nitric oxide levels in exhaled breath, providing a straightforward and accurate way to assess airway inflammation.13,14 By integrating FeNO testing into routine asthma care, you can enhance treatment precision, predict exacerbation risks, and identify patients who may not be responding to their current therapy.15-17 In turn, FeNO testing can help to personalised treatment plans and improve patient outcomes.18-20
Discover how FeNO testing can provide deeper clinical insights, support more precise treatment decisions, and streamline asthma management. Book a demo today to see FeNO testing in action and learn how FeNO can enhance your enhance your practice.
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