Researchers in Australia have developed a new treatment plan to reduce asthma flare-ups in pregnancy while minimizing drug exposure to developing fetuses. This therapy tracks airway inflammation directly by measuring something known as “the fraction of exhaled nitric oxide” -- a marker of inflammation abbreviated as FENO -- in an exhaled breath. By doing so, researchers can identify asthma in pregnant women who have airway inflammation but no symptoms and tailor drug therapy accordingly.
