Bedfont® Scientific Limited highlights how using FeNO and CO monitoring can help to support healthier lungs.
World Lung Day is an annual global awareness day observed on the 25th of September. The event was established by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) and its partners in 2019, designed to provide a unified global platform for raising awareness about the burden of lung diseases and advocating for lung health. This year’s theme, ‘Healthy Lungs, Healthy Life,’ aims to highlight the importance of maintaining lung health for a healthy life.
Breathing issues are responsible for 1 in 8 (13%) emergency admissions in England, higher than heart disease, musculoskeletal conditions and cancer1. In 2017, a study revealed that nearly 545 million people across the globe were living with a chronic respiratory condition, contributing to premature morbidity and mortality2. Conditions such as asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and lung cancer contribute significantly to these startling statistics.
Asthma3,4.
Asthma is a chronic condition where the airways become inflamed and narrowed, making breathing difficult. Symptoms of asthma include:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
It is estimated that the underdiagnosis of asthma varies widely from 19 to 73%. In 2019, 262 million people worldwide had asthma, causing 455,000 deaths, with most asthma-related deaths occurring in low and lower-middle-income countries, where underdiagnosis and under-treatment are a challenge. Unfortunately, asthma cannot be cured, but with the proper care and treatment, people with asthma can enjoy a normal and active life, reducing unnecessary emergencies.
Smoking5,6,7.
In 2020, approximately 5.2 trillion cigarettes were consumed worldwide, with China consuming over double the number of cigarettes as Europe did. Smoking kills over 8 million people a year and is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced. This includes an estimated 1.3 million non-smokers who are exposed to second-hand smoke. Smoking has a profound impact on people’s health, affecting nearly every organ of the body and leading to a variety of diseases. Smoking can lead to various health complications, such as:
- Cancer,
- Breathing and chronic respiratory conditions,
- Heart disease, stroke and blood circulation problems,
- Diabetes,
- And many more serious illnesses.
Globally, Tobacco smoking accounts for over 70% of COPD cases in high-income countries. In low- and middle-income countries, tobacco smoking accounts for 30–40% of COPD cases, and household air pollution is a significant risk factor8. Whilst quitting smoking is notoriously tricky, it is achievable with the proper support and encouragement, and ultimately will reduce these startling statistics.
Healthy lungs.
There are many ways to care for our lungs, including proper asthma management and support to quit smoking. Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) testing plays a vital role in asthma management, and carbon monoxide (CO) monitoring offers motivational support to those quitting smoking.
What is FeNO testing?
A FeNO test measures the level of nitric oxide in exhaled breath. Elevated levels are a sign of airway inflammation, a key feature of asthma. The test is quick, completely non-invasive, and simple to perform. FeNO devices, such as the NObreath® are valuable tools to aid an asthma diagnosis as well as monitoring over time. By guiding treatment decisions, they help ensure patients receive the right medication and reduce the risk of flare-ups.
What is CO monitoring?
CO is a harmful gas produced when tobacco is smoked. A simple, non-invasive test using a CO device such as the Smokerlyzer® can detect the presence of CO in exhaled breath. The device provides real-time readings, offering a clear picture of exposure. Watching CO levels fall after quitting can be a powerful motivator, reinforcing progress and supporting long-term success.
It is clear that lung health is a global issue, and more needs to be done to prevent poor lung health. Awareness events, such as World Lung Day, are vital in raising awareness of the issues faced worldwide, as well as what can be done to support healthy lungs for a healthy life.
To find out about how the NObreath® and Smokerlyzer® range are supporting better lung health, visit www.bedfont.com to learn more.
References
- NHS. Hospital admitted patient care activity, 2023-24. [Internet]. NHS. 2024. Available from: https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/hospital-admitted-patient-care-activity/2023-24
- Soriano JB, Kendrick PJ, Paulson KR, Gupta V, Abrams EM, Adedoyin RA, et al. Prevalence and attributable health burden of chronic respiratory diseases, 1990–2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. The Lancet Respiratory Medicine [Internet]. 2020 Jun 1;8(6):585–96. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7284317/
- World Health Organization. Asthma [Internet]. World Health Organization. World Health Organization; 2024. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asthma
- Kavanagh J, Jackson DJ, Kent BD. Over-and under-diagnosis in asthma. Breathe. 2019 Apr 17;15(1):e20-7. DOI: 10.1183/20734735.0362-2018.
- World Health Organization. Tobacco [Internet]. World Health Organization. World Health Organization; 2025. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tobacco
- Department of Health and Aged Care. Effects of Smoking and Tobacco [Internet]. Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. 2024. Available from: https://www.health.gov.au/topics/smoking-vaping-and-tobacco/about-smoking/effects
- Statista. Global consumption of cigarettes 1880-2020. [Internet]. Statista. 2017. Available from: https://www.statista.com/statistics/279577/global-consumption-of-cigarettes-since-1880/
