7 Recommendations for further research

Guidance

7.1 The Committee discussed the potential for future research. The Committee accepted that there is a need to further establish the accuracy of current practice in diagnosing asthma and the incremental accuracy associated with the addition of FeNO testing.

7.2 The Committee also considered the role of FeNO measurement in asthma management. It accepted that currently available evidence on the use of FeNO measurement in asthma management is unclear on whether benefits of treatment are maintained long-term. The Committee concluded that long-term studies following patients for several years could address this gap.

7.3 The Committee also considered the role of FeNO in guiding inhaled corticosteroid dosing through stepping-up and stepping-down protocols. It accepted there is a need for more evidence on which protocols offer the safest and most optimal asthma management when used in UK clinical practice. Therefore, further studies are recommended, with consideration for the different protocols and cut-off points that may be necessary in different populations.