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To do this test, you'll be seated. Your doctor will have you put in a mouthpiece attached with a tube that leads to an electronic measurement device. Next, you'll breathe in for two or three seconds until your lungs are filled with air. Your doctor will then have you exhale steadily so that the air flows out of your lungs at a steady rate. Your doctor may have you watch a computer monitor that registers how much you're breathing out so that you can maintain a steady exhalation. You'll need to repeat the test a few times to confirm your results. The entire test generally takes five minutes or less.
References
- Dinakar C. Exhaled nitric oxide in pediatric asthma. Current Allergy and Asthma Reports. 2009;9:30.
- Budev MM, et al. Battery of maneuvers. In: Carey WD, et al. Cleveland Clinic: Current Clinical Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-6643-9..00169-7--s0020&isbn=978-1-4160-6643-9&sid=1098987055&type=bookPage§ionEid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-6643-9..00169-7--s0135&uniqId=230624543-7#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-6643-9..00169-7--s0135. Accessed Dec. 23, 2010.
- Barnes PJ, et al. Exhaled nitric oxide in pulmonary diseases. Chest. 2010;138;682.
- Li JT (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 4, 2010.
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