Towards better diagnosis and monitoring of asthma and cystic fibrosis in children : the value of non-invasive inflammometry

Asthma and cystic fibrosis (CF) are very common chronic (children’s) lung diseases. Although chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes is at the centre of the pathophysiology of asthma and CF, this inflammation does not hold a place in the diagnostics, treatment and monitoring of these disorders. The reason for this is that the current methods of measuring inflammation, such as broncoalveolar lavage or biopsy, are too invasive to be used as a routine. New non-invasive methods concern the analysis of exhaled air by measuring nitrogen monoxide or volatile organic components (VOCs) in exhaled air and analysis of biomarkers in exhaled air condensate. The research shows that exhaled air analysis is a good addition to conventional parameters such as symptoms, physical examination and lung function. This can improve the diagnostics and treatment of children with asthma and CF.