Analiza Przydatności Pomiarów Tlenku Azotu w Powietrzu Wydychanym w Diagnostyce Oraz Leczeniu Alergicznego Nieżytu Nosa i Astmy u Dzieci i młodzieży

Nitric oxide is produced by enzymes called nitric oxide synthases. It fulfills many important functions in the human body, but produced in excess amount has a proinflammatory activity. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide measurements are used in the diagnosis and monitoring of eosinophilic inflammation in the lower airways, but should not be used as an independent parameter to make a diagnosis of asthma or for the monitoring of asthma treatment. Evaluation of fractional exhaled nitric oxide concentrations is also used to determine the pathogenesis of symptoms in patients with rhinitis. In addition, they are helpful in detecting and monitoring eosinophilic inflammation in the lower respiratory tract that coexists with inflammation in the upper airways. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide concentrations may be abnormal (lowered or elevated) in other chronic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, primary ciliary dyskinesia and inflammatory bowel diseases. Many factors, e.g. atopy, genetic polymorphisms of NOS, and the lipid profile affect the fractional exhaled nitric oxide measurement. Nasal nitric oxide measurement is useful in assessing the prevalence and severity of eosinophilic inflammation in the upper respiratory tract.