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The Impact of BTS/SIGN/NICE asthma guidelines on FeNO testing and QoF – Carol Stonham

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In November 2024, the British Thoracic Society (BTS), Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN), and the National Institute of Care Excellence (NICE) asthma guidelines1 were released superseding the previously separate guidelines from BTS/SIGN2 and NICE3. The new joint guideline, based on current clinical evidence and cost-effective modelling, clears up the previous uncertainty about the diagnosis and routine management of asthma. This resource will help understand where Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) is recommended and how, by following the guidelines, there is potential income for the practice.

What does FeNO measure?

FeNO is a measurement of exhaled nitric oxide. This is normal in exhaled breath as a part of the respiratory process but is raised in the presence of eosinophilic airway inflammation, which is present in the majority of people with uncontrolled asthma symptoms. Patients at presentation are likely to have a raised FeNO level if they are not taking inhaled steroid treatment, even if they are asymptomatic on the day of testing.

What do the new guidelines say?

In adults, the guidelines recommend either blood eosinophils or FeNO as the immediate test. FeNO has the advantage of an instant result reducing the need for a second consultation to review the results. Blood eosinophils are a systemic marker so can be influenced by medication or other illnesses.

The new joint guideline states that if the FeNO result is raised above 50 ppb, and supports the clinical history and examination of the patient, no further testing is required – this is adequate to diagnose asthma. If the result is less than 50ppb but the history and examination indicate asthma as a likely diagnosis, then further testing will be required (spirometry with bronchodilator reversibility, peak flow diary charting in the absence or delay in accessing spirometry availability). If both FeNO and spirometry do not confirm the diagnosis the patient will require referral for bronchial challenge testing.

In children the first-line recommended objective test to support a diagnosis of asthma in a child with a history suggestive of asthma is FeNO – there is no alternative first-line test recommended so primary care must have access to FeNO testing for all children presenting without delay.  The diagnostic level in children is 35 ppb. Again, if FeNO is raised, there is no need for further testing and a diagnosis can be made. If the FeNO result is below 35 ppb then spirometry with reversibility should be performed, or in the absence or delay in accessing spirometry a peak flow diary chart can be substituted. If spirometry also does not confirm asthma, the child will need either skin prick testing for house dust mite, or blood tests for eosinophils and total IgE. Blood tests are further along the diagnostic algorithm as it is less acceptable to children and parents.

The joint guidelines now recommend FeNO testing in certain areas of ongoing management. FeNO is recommended at routine review and before increasing medication, and specifically, once a patient is on a moderate dose Maintenance and Reliever Therapy (MART) regime, but still symptomatic to guide the need for specialist referral for consideration of biologics or increased non-steroid medication.

Using FeNO – benefits to practices

Time is a precious commodity in primary care. Access to FeNO testing to confirm a diagnosis of asthma has the potential for diagnosis to be made in a single visit as test results are instantly available. Different models of testing work well. It may be that all clinicians can perform and code a FeNO test at initial consultation, start inhaled therapy, and then review with the appropriate in-house asthma specialist where steroid naive results and response to treatment can be reviewed.

In England, practices strive to accomplish maximal Quality and Outcomes Framework (QoF)4 points to maintain practice income and fund expenses such as purchase and maintenance of equipment for example, FeNO devices. Currently, the QoF requirement for diagnosis of asthma is spirometry and one other test such as FeNO, bronchodilator reversibility or measures of variability. With the change in the BTS/SIGN/NICE guideline this will change in line with the guideline recommendations with the requirement that practices perform at least one objective test that indicates asthma. In adults initially, this could be FeNO or blood eosinophils, in children the initial test must be FeNO.

QoF points and payments

The QoF section for asthma diagnosis currently offers a maximum of 15 points. To achieve this the practice must hold an asthma register which is based on SNOMED coding- a structured clinical vocabulary for use in an electronic health record, and must have performed (and coded) the appropriate objective tests to confirm diagnosis. The practice does not need to achieve 100% to receive maximal payment.

One point in the QoF framework payment currently earns the practice £220.62 therefore if a practice successfully achieves maximal points the payment for this indicator for a year is 15 points at £220.62 totalling £3309.30 annually.

In some areas, additional payments might be achieved from locally agreed arrangements such as local enhanced service agreements.

NObreath® FeNO Device

The NObreath® FeNO device offers a significant advantage in aiding asthma diagnosis and management. The NObreath® is a non-invasive and easy-to-use tool that provides instant results, streamlining the process for patients and healthcare providers. Compared to other QoF-recommended tests, such as the bronchodilator reversibility test, which can take up to an hour, a FeNO test saves valuable time. By providing immediate results, the NObreath® supports efficient clinical decision-making, enhances patient experience, and helps practices meet QoF requirements effectively and effortlessly.

Disclaimer

All costs and figures mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of publication. Prices and other financial details are subject to change and may vary over time. We recommend checking with the relevant sources for the most up-to-date information

References:

  1. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2024) Asthma: diagnosis, monitoring and chronic asthma management (BTS, NICE, SIGN) NG 245 Available from https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng245/chapter/Recommendations#principles-of-pharmacological-treatment [Last accessed 2.1.25]
  2. British Thoracic Society/Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (2019) Guideline for the management of asthma. Available from https://www.brit-thoracic.org.uk/quality-improvement/guidelines/asthma/ [Last accessed 2/1/25]
  3. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2017) Asthma NG 80. Archived and replaced by NG 245
  4. NHS England (2024) Quality and Outcomes Framework Guidance for 24/25 Available from https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/PRN01104-Quality-and-outcomes-framework-guidance-for-2024-25.pdf [Last accessed 2.1.25]

Bedfont® Scientific Limited Concludes the Shaun in the Heart of Kent Trail by Presenting a CELLER8® Device to a Successful Participant

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Following a summer of community engagement in the Shaun in the Heart of Kent art trail; Bedfont® awards a prize for finding ‘Shorn the Return’.

Bedfont® Scientific Ltd., a world leader in breath analysis with over 47 years of expertise in manufacturing medical breath analysis devices, teamed up with Heart of Kent Hospice this summer as a sponsor of a Shaun the Sheep sculpture in the hugely successful Shaun in the Heart of Kent art trail. The trail, held in Maidstone, saw thousands of people take part, following the route in and around the Maidstone area.

The Bedfont® sponsored sheep ‘Shorn the Return’ was located by the Old Boat Café on the River Medway. Using the Shaun in the Heart of Kent app, users could collect the various sculptures by entering a unique code found on each sculpture; each collection allowed users to enter a prize draw to bag a freebie. ‘Shorn the Return’ was collected an amazing 4,920 times. Partnering with NewMed Limited, Bedfont® offered the lucky participants a chance to bag themselves a CELLER8® Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy device.

The CELLER8® is an easy-to-use, portable device which uses electromagnetic fields to promote healing processes in the body, which when used at different frequencies can stimulate and encourage your body’s natural recovery process. PEMF can be used to help relaxation, enhance energy levels, support health and wellness and improve sleep. The CELLER8® is a device manufactured by Bedfont® and sold exclusively through NewMed Limited, which has extensive knowledge and expertise in PEMF therapy.

Jason Smith, CEO at Bedfont® Scientific Ltd. commented “We are delighted to have been part of such a meaningful initiative, sponsoring a sculpture for the Shaun in the Heart of Kent trail. Supporting Heart of Kent Hospice in this creative and engaging project was truly inspiring, and seeing the community come together for such a great cause has been heartwarming. We are thrilled to gift a CELLER8® device to a participant with the help of NewMed.”

On Thursday 14th November, the lucky recipient visited Bedfont® HQ to pick up her CELLER8® device after finding the ‘Shorn the Return’ sculpture in the summer trail. She was overcome with emotion when she was told the CELLER8® was hers.

She expressed that after researching the CELLER8®, she is very excited to begin using PEMF consistently.

The NewMed team were on hand on the day to give a full and informative demonstration on how to use the device, explaining what settings would best benefit her.

Andy Smith, CEO and Founder at NewMed Ltd says “Supporting community initiatives like the Shaun the Sheep Trail means a lot to us at NewMed. Partnering with Bedfont® and the Heart of Kent Hospice allows us to bring the benefits of CELLER8® PEMF therapy to a wider audience.”

With the trail now complete, Bedfont® will continue to support Heart of Kent Hospice through various initiatives and events. To keep up to date with fundraising efforts for the hospice, follow @BedfontLtd on social media. To find out more about Bedfont®, please visit www.bedfont.com.

To find out more about how CELLER8® can help you, please visit www.celler8.com or follow celler8_ on Instagram.

Bedfont® Scientific Limited Secures a Double Win at the Kent Business Awards

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Double Victory for Bedfont®: Crowned ‘Medium Business of the Year 2024 and ‘Best of Kent’.

Bedfont®, located in Harrietsham, Kent, has over 48 years of expertise in designing and manufacturing medical breath analysis devices. Bedfont® was delighted to win Medium Business of the Year 2024 and Best of Kent at the Kent Business Awards. The event was held at the Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel on Wednesday, December 4th, where businesses from across the region came together to celebrate this year’s outstanding achievements.

Bedfont® was recognised in the Medium Business category, celebrating the team’s hard work and commitment, sustainable growth, and commercial success. The recognition also highlights Bedfont’s positive and proactive approach to occupational health and wellbeing strategies.

The Bedfont® team was impressed by the amazing achievements of all nominees on the night. Facing tough competition, Bedfont® proudly triumphed as the Medium Business of the Year 2024. But the celebrations did not stop there – just after Bedfont® was crowned as Medium Business of the Year, they were announced winners of the final category, “Best of Kent.”

The Best of Kent category examined over 500 finalists in the Kent Business Awards, with Bedfont® emerging as the overall winner. This recognition highlights the company’s strong financial growth and contribution to changing lives through its innovative breath analysis devices.

Jason Smith, CEO at Bedfont® Scientific, comments, ”Winning the Medium Business of the Year and Best of Kent at the Kent Business Awards is a tremendous honour and a testament to the incredible efforts of our team. These awards highlight our commitment to excellence in business and our focus on creating a workplace where health and well-being thrive. We are proud to be recognised among many outstanding companies and congratulate all the finalists and winners. This achievement motivates us to continue positively impacting our employees, customers, and the wider community.”

These award wins mark a significant milestone for the business, highlighting its commitment to excellence in business performance and fostering a supporting workplace culture. For more information on Bedfont®, please visit http://www.bedfont.com or follow @BedfontLtd on social media.

Importance of Quality Control in Hydrogen-Methane Breath Testing – Dr Jafar Jafari

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Hydrogen-methane breath testing (HMBT) is a widely used, non-invasive method to diagnose conditions such as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and carbohydrate malabsorption (e.g. lactose intolerance). The accuracy of HMBT results depends heavily on proper quality controls, accurate calibration, appropriate sample collection, and meticulous interpretation of results. This article explores these aspects to emphasise their significance in obtaining reliable and clinically meaningful results.

Introduction to HMBT

HMBT measures the amount of hydrogen (H2) and/ or methane (CH4) in the breath after ingesting specific carbohydrates. Under normal conditions, small amounts of H2 and/ or CH4 are produced in the large intestine. However, in cases of carbohydrate malabsorption or SIBO, undigested carbohydrates are fermented by bacteria in the small intestine (SIBO) or the large intestine (malabsorption), producing H2 and/ or CH4 that is absorbed into the bloodstream and exhaled in the breath. The GastroCH4ECK® HMBT device is one of two devices in the Gastrolyzer® range, manufactured by Bedfont® Scientific Limited. The GastroCH4ECK® offers non-invasive direct breath testing, providing instant results. Breath samples can be captured using a breath bag and analysed at a later time.

Quality Control in HMBT

Quality control is a critical component of any diagnostic test to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and reproducibility of the results. The effectiveness of HMBT relies heavily on stringent quality control measures. Inconsistencies or errors in any stage of the testing process can significantly impact the interpretation of results, potentially leading to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. In HMBT, quality control involves several key processes.

Calibration of the HMBT device:

The HMBT device must be calibrated at intervals advised by the manufacturer using a known standard gas concentration to ensure it provides accurate readings. This involves running the standard gas through the device and adjusting the machine to match the known concentration. Zero calibration involves ensuring that the device reads zero when exposed to ambient air, as ambient air should ideally contain negligible H2. Accurate zero calibration ensures that any detected H2 is due to gastrointestinal fermentation and not background noise. Span calibration involves adjusting the device to read accurately at a higher concentration using a calibration gas with a known H2 and CH4 concentration. Regularly changing the filters in the breath device is necessary to maintain its accuracy and prevent contamination. A log for filter changes helps track when filters were last replaced and ensures that they are changed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, thus maintaining the integrity of the samples.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs):

SOPs for HMBT should include detailed instructions for preparing the patient, conducting the test, and handling samples. Routine maintenance is crucial to prevent significant errors and variability in results. The GastroCH4ECK® must be calibrated before first use, after transportation, and once every 4 weeks. To ensure timely calibration, a reminder will be displayed on the screen during start-up. Bedfont® recommends that the GastroCH4ECK® should have an annual service to check sensors and components to ensure its longevity and accuracy. This maintenance includes a thorough inspection, cleaning, calibration, and replacement of worn-out parts. Keeping a log of annual maintenance activities helps track the condition of the device and ensures that it receives timely servicing, preventing unexpected malfunctions.

Unlike other HMBT devices that measure carbon dioxide (CO2), the GastroCH4ECK® measures oxygen (O2), which is a quality indicator for the breath sample1. The measurement of O2 is essential as it helps to ensure that the bacteria in the large intestine, rather than those in the mouth or stomach, are responsible for any gas production observed during the test.

The accuracy of the HMBT results relies on proper sample collection and patient preparation. Several factors must be considered to ensure valid results. Patients are advised to follow a specific diet for 24-48 hours before the test, avoiding high-fibre and fermented foods to prevent high baseline H2 and CH4. Fasting for at least 12 hours before the test is crucial to minimise these baseline levels and align with standardisation studies establishing normal ranges in a fasting state, ensuring predictable and stable intestinal motility.

Patients should always consult with a healthcare professional first, before stopping any medication to ensure proper preparation and guidance. Certain medications, such as antibiotics, probiotics, and laxatives, should be avoided as they can disrupt gut flora and affect H2 and CH4 production. However, patients on long-term use with unchanged symptoms may continue these medications unless instructed by a healthcare professional. On the day of the test, patients should avoid physical activity and remain seated to prevent accelerated gastrointestinal transit, which can affect timing and H2 and CH4 concentration. Additionally, patients should avoid sleeping, as it alters gastrointestinal motility and impacts test results.

The test will begin with a collection of a baseline breath sample to measure the H2 and CH4 levels before carbohydrate ingestion. Then the patient will ingest a specific carbohydrate (e.g. lactulose, glucose, or lactose). The choice of the substrate depends on the clinical question (e.g. lactulose for SIBO, lactose for lactose intolerance). The patient must consume the standardised amount of the test substrate dissolved in a specified amount of water, following international guidelines. Breath samples are then collected at regular intervals (e.g. every 15-20 minutes) for 2-3 hours post-ingestion. Consistent timing is essential to accurately capture the H2 and CH4 production curves.

Several factors can affect the accuracy of HMBT results. Patients must adhere to the dietary and fasting instructions; non-compliance can lead to high baseline H2 and CH4 levels. Proper calibration and maintenance of the HMBT device is essential, malfunctioning equipment can lead to inaccurate readings. To avoid interpretation variability in HMBTs, it is crucial to adhere to a single reference guideline for performance and analysis. Currently, the most credible guideline is the North American Consensus2. Using this guideline ensures standardised procedures and consistent interpretation of results, minimising discrepancies and enhancing the reliability of HMBTs.

Environmental Monitoring:

Each HMBT device manufacturer provides specific instructions regarding the storage and operational temperatures for their devices. It is crucial to adhere strictly to these temperature guidelines when conducting direct breath tests and calibrations. Failure to operate the device within the recommended temperature can potentially affect accuracy.

Conclusion

HMBT is a reliable and non-invasive diagnostic tool for conditions like SIBO and carbohydrate malabsorption, provided that stringent quality controls, accurate calibration, proper sample collection, and meticulous interpretation are in place. Adhering to these protocols ensures the accuracy and clinical utility of HMBT, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.

By focusing on these aspects, healthcare providers can maximise the diagnostic potential of HMBT and provide effective, targeted treatments for patients with gastrointestinal disorders.

HMBT with the Gastrolyzer® range

Utilising reliable diagnostic tools such as HMBT offers precise insights into the underlying causes of gastrointestinal symptoms, enabling healthcare professionals to formulate effective and tailored treatment plans. Bedfont® Scientific Limited manufactures the Gastrolyzer® range of non-invasive breath testing devices that help to detect gastrointestinal disorders, one breath at a time. The Gastrolyzer® range includes the Gastro+™ which measures H2 and the GastroCH4ECK® device which measures H2, CH4, and O2. Both devices provide instant results, recorded in parts per million (ppm).

To learn more about how the Gastrolyzer® range can help support your patients with gastrointestinal disorders, visit https://www.gastrolyzer.com/

References:

  1. Lee SM, Falconer IH, Madden T, and Laidler PO. Characteristics of oxygen concentration and the role of correction factor in real-time GI breath test. BMJ Open Gastroenterology. 2021 Jun 1;8(1):e000640. DOI:10.1136/bmjgast-2021-000640.
  2. Rezaie A, Buresi M, Lembo A, Lin H, McCallum R, Rao S, Schmulson M, Valdovinos M, Zakko S, Pimentel M. Hydrogen and methane-based breath testing in gastrointestinal disorders: the North American consensus. Official journal of the American College of Gastroenterology| ACG. 2017 May 1;112(5):775-84. DOI: 10.1038/ajg.2017.46.

Bedfont® Scientific Limited Brings Cutting-Edge Respiratory and Gastrointestinal Diagnostic Solutions to Saudi Arabia with New Registration`

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NObreath® FeNO device and Gastrolyzer® range of devices are now available across the Middle East.

Bedfont® Scientific Limited, a world leader in breath analysis with over 47 years of knowledge and expertise in designing and manufacturing medical breath analysis devices, has partnered with Tebaba Medical Services, a leading supplier of high-quality medical supplies for healthcare providers across Africa and the Middle East. The successful registration in October means Tebaba will distribute Bedfont’s cutting-edge technology to healthcare professionals in the region, aiding in diagnosing and managing respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions.

The NObreath® Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) device is used to aid in the diagnosis and management of asthma by measuring the nitric oxide levels on exhaled breath. High levels of nitric oxide indicate airway inflammation, common in allergic asthma.

The Gastrolyzer® range of devices, comprising of the Gastro+™ which measures the amount of hydrogen and the GastroCH4ECK® which measures the amount of hydrogen and methane in the breath, which can indicate gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and carbohydrate malabsorption.

Tebaba Medical Services, a well-established leader in the Middle Eastern healthcare market, was selected as a distributor for its strong alignment with Bedfont’s core values. With a commitment to delivering high-quality medical devices and exceptional customer service, Tebaba Medical Services brings extensive regional expertise to this partnership. By working together, Bedfont® and Tebaba are advancing the availability of cutting-edge breath analysis technology across the Middle East.

Jason Smith, CEO at Bedfont®, comments, “We are excited about the registration, which will allow our cutting-edge technology to transform the impact on respiratory and gastrointestinal health across the Middle East, marking an important step in our vision where everyone has access to instant, non-invasive, simple breath testing to aid in medical diagnosis.”

The first shipment was delivered in November, marking the beginning of Bedfont’s long-term commitment to supporting healthcare providers in the region with reliable, innovative technology and paving the way for enhanced patient care.

For more information on Bedfont® breath analysis devices, please visit our website by clicking here.

New NICE Guidelines for Asthma: FeNO Testing and the NObreath® Device in Adult and Paediatric Care

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On Wednesday, 27th November, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the British Thoracic Society (BTS), and the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) updated and published a joint guideline on asthma diagnosis, monitoring, and chronic asthma management. 

Streamlining asthma management

BTS/SIGN and NICE published guidelines independent of each other. To align approaches to asthma care throughout the UK, NICE has undertaken a joint review with BTS and SIGN to bring harmonisation across the board. This review brings significant changes to asthma care approaches, including applying fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) testing- an objective airway inflammation test for aiding in asthma diagnosis and management.

Previously, NICE, BTS and SIGN recommended the following:NICE:

  • FeNO testing was recommended for use in adults and children during asthma diagnosis.
  • FeNO levels, should be measured in conjunction with other diagnostic tests (e.g., spirometry).
  • For adults: A FeNO level of 40 parts per billion (ppb) or more was regarded as a positive test.
  • For children and young people (5–16 years): A FeNO level of 35 ppb or more was regarded as a positive test.

BTS and SIGN:

  • FeNO testing can support asthma diagnosis, particularly when the diagnosis is uncertain or symptoms suggest eosinophilic inflammation in adults and children.
  • FeNO levels, should be measured in conjunction with other diagnostic tests (e.g., spirometry).
  • For adults: A FeNO level of 40 ppb or more was regarded as a positive test.
  • For children and young people (5–16 years): A FeNO level of 35 ppb or more was regarded as a positive test.

What is new? NICE/BTS/SIGN guideline on asthma: diagnosis, monitoring and chronic asthma management

Asthma diagnosis (adults):

The new NICE/BTS/SIGN guidelines recommend that adults with symptoms and a history suggestive of asthma undergo blood eosinophil count or FeNO testing as initial diagnostic steps. Asthma can be diagnosed if the blood eosinophil count exceeds the laboratory reference range or if FeNO levels are 50 ppb or higher. If these initial tests are inconclusive, bronchodilator reversibility (BDR) testing with spirometry is advised. When asthma remains clinically suspected despite inconclusive results from blood eosinophil count or FeNO, BDR, or peak expiratory flow (PEF) measurements, a referral for a bronchial challenge test is recommended to confirm the diagnosis if bronchial hyper-responsiveness is detected.

Asthma diagnosis (children and young people aged 5-16):

For children with symptoms suggestive of asthma, the new NICE/BTS/SIGN guidelines recommend measuring FeNO levels as a first-line diagnostic test, provided it is available. Asthma can be diagnosed if FeNO levels are 35 ppb or higher. A NICE literature review highlighted the higher specificity of FeNO testing in children, further reinforcing its use as a first-line option for both children and adults.

Asthma management (adults):

FeNO testing provides a significant advantage to health care professionals when monitoring asthma patients, including assessment of response to newly prescribed asthma therapies and regular review of adherence to medications. FeNO monitoring applications have been acknowledged globally in other well-recognised clinical guidelines, including the American Thoracic Society (ATS) and the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). Not acknowledged in previous asthma clinical guidelines by NICE or BTS/SIGN, a recommendation has been made to include FeNO evaluations as part of regular yearly asthma reviews in adults, alongside reviewing before and after any changes to patients’ asthma therapy.

Economic Evaluation of asthma care

Cost of exacerbations to the NHS:

NICE calculated that on average a mild to moderate exacerbation cost the NHS on average £42 per patient. This includes a GP visit (£38) and a salbutamol metered-dose inhaler (MDI) with a spacer (£4).

For severe exacerbations, the average estimated cost was thought to increase to £102 per patient. This includes 80% of patients requiring systemic glucocorticoid steroids (adults £1.88 and children £0.60), 13% of patients visiting A&E (£113), and 7% of patients needing hospitalisation (adults £1,181 and children £1,223).

FeNO cost analysis:

NICE conducted an economic evaluation of FeNO testing, factoring in the volume of tests performed on average across the UK. On average, taking into account the resource allocation of staff time and the cost of a FeNO test, an average total cost to the NHS would be £22.21 per patient. Among the eight diagnostic tests evaluated during NICE’s review, FeNO ranked as the third most cost-effective after adult blood eosinophil count and children’s blood eosinophil count.

NICE also highlighted the potential economic advantage of performing multiple tests during the same appointment, which could save time and reduce overall costs. The most cost-effective combination was spirometry and FeNO with a total cost of £34.29, followed by BDR and FeNO (£50.52) and skin prick test and FeNO, which ranked fourth most cost-effective (£50.66). These findings suggest strategic test combinations could optimise economic and clinical outcomes.

Carol Stonham, a member of Bedfont® Scientific Limited Medical Advisory Board and policy lead for Policy Care Respiratory Society (PCRS), comments “The new NICE/BTS/SIGN asthma guidelines introduce a positive step change in the diagnosis and management of asthma for adults and children. For diagnosis the necessity to perform numerous diagnostic tests has been reduced if initial testing confirms asthma, based on the evidence and cost effectiveness. In management the step away from using short acting bronchodilators to anti-inflammatory (AIR) and Maintenance and Reliever Therapy (MART) regimes should see better asthma control, less people with symptoms, and a reduction in asthma mortality.”

FeNO testing in asthma: Key takeaways from NICE guidelines

Diagnosis:

  • For adults, asthma can be diagnosed if FeNO levels are 50 ppb or higher, an increase from the previous NICE guideline’s 40 ppb or higher threshold.
  • For children, asthma can be diagnosed if FeNO levels are 35 ppb or higher. This has remained the same as the previous NICE guidelines.
  • FeNO testing recommended first-line testing in asthma diagnosis for adults and children.
  • If the first test is diagnostic further diagnostic testing is not required.

Management:

  • FeNO testing has been acknowledged as a tool in asthma management.
  • Aids to inform healthcare professionals when changing or adjusting asthma therapy.
  • Recommending FeNO use for asthma monitoring in adults.

Costs:

NICE’s economic evaluation revealed the average FeNO test to be on average £22.21, this includes an average consumable cost of £6.37. The NObreath® device, manufactured by Bedfont® Scientific Limited prides itself on being one of the most cost-effective products on the market. On average, NObreath® consumables (£3.70 per mouthpiece) are 42%* less than the FeNO testing consumables pricing highlighted in the NICE economic evaluation (£6.37), making the overall cost for FeNO testing 12%* less than what has originally been highlighted in the NICE economic evaluation, ensuring fair and accessible pricing for both primary and secondary care alike.  

To read the full NICE guidelines, please visit: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng244

*Based on UK pricing.

References:

  • Asthma pathway (BTS, NICE, SIGN) [Internet]. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. 2024. [Cited Wednesday 27th November 2024]. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng244

Empowering Asthma Care: Bedfont® Scientific Limited Provides Vital Support for FeNO Testing in Response to Updated NICE Asthma Guidelines

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Bedfont® outlines key updates and offers support for healthcare professionals navigating the changes.

Bedfont® Scientific Ltd., world leaders in breath analysis with over 47 years of knowledge in designing and manufacturing medical breath analysis devices, welcomes the recent update to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines on asthma management.

Bedfont® manufactures the NObreath® Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) device, which aids in diagnosing and managing asthma. Nitric oxide is a gas found in exhaled breath that indicates airway inflammation commonly found in eosinophilic asthma.

The previous guidelines for asthma management from NICE recommended FeNO testing alongside other objective tests, such as spirometry and peak flow. A FeNO reading of over 40 parts per billion (ppb) in adults and 35 ppb in children suggested a diagnosis of asthma if carried out with a positive spirometry or peak flow result.

So, what’s new? NICE released the most recent asthma guidelines on Wednesday 27th of November, which recommends a blood test to measure eosinophil levels, or a FeNO test to diagnose asthma in adults. A FeNO test is recommended as the first-line test for an asthma diagnosis in children. Confirmation of a positive asthma diagnosis is a FeNO level exceeding 50 ppb in adults and 35 ppb in children.

It is also proposed that FeNO tests should be offered at regular adult asthma reviews for monitoring, including before and after changing asthma medication. A FeNO test should also be undertaken if a patient presents with poorly controlled asthma.

Jason Smith, CEO at Bedfont® comments ”We welcome the updated NICE guidelines, which provide even greater clarity and emphasis on the role of FeNO testing in asthma care. These updates underscore the importance of

FeNO testing as an essential tool in improving diagnostic accuracy and tailoring treatment plans to individual patient needs. At Bedfont® we are proud to support healthcare professionals with our innovative NObreath® FeNO testing device that aligns with the latest clinical guidance, ultimately helping to deliver better outcomes for people with asthma.”

In light of the changes to asthma care and management recommendations, Bedfont® will host various educational resources, such as webinars and articles, to discuss these changes and what they mean for healthcare professionals carrying out FeNO tests.

For a more in-depth look at the guideline updates, read our latest article here: https://www.bedfont.com/new-nice-guidelines-for-asthma-feno-testing-and-the-nobreath-device-in-adult-and-paediatric-care/

References

Asthma pathway (BTS, NICE, SIGN) [Internet]. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. 2024. [Cited Wednesday 27th November 2024]. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng244

Bedfont® Scientific Limited Host an Insightful Panel Discussion in Recognition of Stoptober

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Stoptober takes place every October in the UK. Launched in 2012, the campaign encourages smokers to quit for 28 days. The theme for 2024 is ‘When you stop smoking, good things start to happen’. Bedfont® Scientific Ltd., world leaders in breath analysis, hosted a discussion with Smokerlyzer® Medical Advisory Board Members Dr Amer Siddiq Amer Nordin and Dr Anne Yee. The panel explored the impact Stoptober has on people’s quit smoking attempts as well as, the efforts made in their native Malaysia in regards to smoking cessation.

Dr Amer Siddiq Amer Nordin is an Associate Professor in Psychiatry and Consultant Psychiatrist at the University of Malaya. He is also an Adjunct Professor in Public Health at the Universitas Airlanggar, Surabaya in Indonesia. Additionally, he leads the nicotine addiction research group at the University of Malaya Centre of Addiction Sciences (UMCAS) -NARCC and his research work is primarily on tobacco control and mainly assisting in helping people to quit smoking.

Dr Anne Yee is an Associate Professor at Monash University Malaysia and an Adjunct Professor at UMCAS, University Malaya. Her research is focused on nicotine addiction. She is also currently a Technical and Expert Advisor to the Malaysia Ministry of Health in the development and implementation of the National Clinical Practice Guidelines for Tobacco Use Disorder, mQuit Service Project, Technical Working Group on Evidence-based Smoking Cessation and free tobacco policy at her university.

The discussion covered some interesting subjects around smoking cessation, including Stoptober, smoking cessation efforts in Malaysia, the increasing prevalence of vaping and the role carbon monoxide (CO) devices play in helping individuals quit smoking.

What is Stoptober?

Stoptober is now in its 14th year; this month-long UK public health campaign encourages smokers to quit for 28 days. Research has shown that if you stop smoking for 28 days, you are 5 times more likely to quit for good1. This campaign is designed to make quitting smoking more achievable by providing structured support during October, with the ultimate goal of improving public health.

How have marketing regulations around smoking-related products influenced smoking habits and cessation efforts?

Ultimately, we want people to attempt to quit smoking and the environment around those people to support that attempt. This can be done by:

  • Giving people the opportunity to quit,
  • Advertise and encourage people to quit,
  • Provide people with stop smoking aids

With the resources available, individuals can quit smoking. However, the environment must be pro-quitting. This can be achieved through policies such as no-smoking areas and de-normalising smoking behaviour. This will help people attempting to quit, feel safe to quit and maintain a no-smoking status. This is where Stoptober is a great initiative, promoting smoking cessation and bringing everyone together in their attempt.

The impetus of Stoptober has helped assist people to stop smoking and there are a variety of initiatives within the campaign that are quite useful. Quit smoking aids have been made highly accessible and it has driven healthcare providers to have the materials available to assist people’s quit attempts.

It is estimated that every Stoptober, around 300 – 400 thousand people in the UK attempt to quit smoking2. The campaign creates a sense of community, promoting quitting together with a clear structure of 28 days. These points are what make Stoptober so successful.

Are there any behavioural or psychological mechanisms during Stoptober that increase the chance of stopping smoking for good?

During October, as individuals are driven to quit, they are provided with every opportunity to quit. The digital health programme by the University College London (UCL) empowers those who want to quit on their own to do so, but providing a digital app, means those people are not actually on their own. Those who prefer face-to-face interaction have access to stop-smoking clinics across the country.

Stoptober is supported by the government, which drives an actionable campaign for those who want to quit and quit together in masses. This is where the communal effort is helpful, support from others going through the same experience can help.

A good example of communal effort is Ramadan, Ramadan is an Islamic holy month where Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. As Muslims are required to abstain from smoking during fasting hours, this provides the perfect opportunity for Muslims to quit smoking indefinitely and can act as a natural starting point to quit smoking.

Government-led initiatives should not just be one-offs, there should be regular or continuous efforts. People’s motivation to quit smoking should not just be 1 month of the year, in May we have World No Tobacco Day, which then leads to Stoptober and then leads to the New Year when smokers are inspired to make a change and attempt to quit again if they previously were unsuccessful. Eventually, if the cycle continues, people will be more likely to quit for good.

What is happening in Malaysia concerning smoking cessation efforts?

Coincidentally, Malaysia’s Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 officially came into effect in October. This act has stricter regulations on packaging, advertising of smoking and vaping products and public smoking bans.

Malaysia is on track to provide a pro quitting environment and these regulations will help maintain that. This is the first bill of its kind to come into effect and specifically targets the use of e-cigarettes such as vapes among minors; preventing the sale of tobacco and e-cigarettes to minors.

There is a difference between Malaysia and the UK concerning vapes, in the UK, vapes are used to aid smoking cessation. However, in Malaysia, it has been made increasingly more difficult to obtain these devices.

The UK has a goal to be smoke-free by 2030, are there any similar targets in Malaysia?

Malaysia’s goal is to be smoke-free by 2040, reduced from the 2045 date originally set. This allows Malaysia 15 years to plan and strategize how they aim to meet this goal.

Does Malaysia face any unique challenges in comparison to other countries, about reducing smoking rates?

If this question had been asked this time last year, the biggest challenge would have been that Malaysia did not have a Tobacco Control Act, but thankfully this was enforced in October 2024.

There are some unique challenges faced in Malaysia compared to other countries, this is due to the difference in policies. In light of the recent act that has just come into force, the use of electronic cigarettes is now going to be heavily regulated. Although Malaysia has not banned the use of e-cigarettes like some neighbouring countries, the stricter regulations present a challenging position within the region regarding this issue. Hopefully, with the new act in force, things will become a little easier concerning tobacco control.

Whilst there are some unique challenges, Malaysia faces the same barriers as many other countries in reducing smoking prevalence. Smoking rates are higher among individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds compared to those from wealthy backgrounds3. There is a link between poverty stress and smoking, making it more difficult for this group to quit, especially as they lack access to smoking cessation clinics, support and resources.

Higher rates of smoking are found among certain populations in Malaysia such as:

  • People with mental health conditions,
  • The homeless,
  • People in prison,
  • People who use illicit drugs.

Higher rates of smoking are also found across different regions in Malaysia and this is likely to be down to the difference in funding and resources available in those locations. In rural areas, even if someone wanted to give up smoking, they would find it hard, due to the lack of help in those areas.

The biggest concern currently in Malaysia is the rise of vaping among young people. In 2011, the prevalence of vaping in young people was around 0.8%, rising to 5.8% in 20234. Resources are now being used to encourage this group of people to quit smoking and vaping.

What role do CO monitoring devices play in helping individuals quit smoking and how effective are they as a motivational tool?

CO devices play an important role in smoking cessation programmes as they offer immediate and tangible feedback to smokers on their CO levels. It is also a key indicator of how smoking impacts the body, providing real-time feedback on the immediate effects of their smoking behaviour. It also shows the results of their daily, weekly and monthly efforts to give up smoking by showing the reduction in CO levels.

Research has shown that those who used a CO device during their quit attempt have higher success rates than those who did not5.

We live in a digital world and these devices have the opportunity to integrate with digital health forms, allowing smokers to monitor their progress over time. The Bedfont® iCOquit® Smokerlyzer® does just that.

Part of the Smokerlyzer® range, the iCOquit® is a personal Bluetooth® CO device that connects to an app and allows users to measure their CO levels remotely whilst quitting smoking. This then allows for the results to be shared with smoking cessation advisors.

People are now moving towards taking control of their health, leading to healthier lifestyles and this is where the iCOquit® can help. Empowering people to take ownership of their health and do something about it, allowing people to quit smoking on their terms, by themselves to a certain extent. To find out more about the iCOquit® and the Smokerlyzer® range, click here.

Malaysia has developed a digital health tool ‘GEMPAQ’ (Getting Every Smoker to Participate and Quit). The app offers smokers a convenient and accessible platform to receive tailored support to help them quit smoking. If this app could be integrated with the Smokerlyzer® devices, it would be a big help to those who want to quit smoking.

In summary, CO devices like the Smokerlyzer® range help to maintain that motivation to keep up with a person’s quit attempt and help them to maintain a no-smoking status. Immediate biofeedback is particularly helpful for some smokers, allowing them to see their quit attempt manifesting positively through the reduction of CO in their respiratory system, which correlates with the improvement of their overall health.

What advice can be given to someone who relapses after Stoptober?

Evidence suggests that the more times you attempt to quit, the more likely it is you will succeed. Stoptober is a great opportunity to re-attempt to quit if a previous attempt has failed earlier in the year.

Both Dr Amer Siddiq Amer Nordin and Dr Anne Yee say “You learn something from each quit attempt, making you stronger to face the next attempt. Each time you gain knowledge and can expand the support network, giving you a better chance of succeeding.”

The discussion covered some very important and interesting topics. To watch the full discussion, see below:

If you enjoyed our expert discussion on Stoptober, be sure to watch our previous discussion on World No Tobacco Day, featuring Dr Amer, Dr Anne and external guest speaker Professor Christopher Bullen.

References

  1. Gov.uk. Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England and Neil O’Brien MP. [cited on 22/8/24] Available from https://www.gov.uk/government/news/95-of-ex-smokers-see-positive-changes-soon-after-quitting#:~:text=Stoptober%20is%20based%20on%20evidence,likely%20to%20quit%20for%20good.

2. ucl.ac.uk. UCL. [cited on 17/10/24] Available from https://www.ucl.ac.uk/impact/case-studies/2022/apr/ucl-research-informs-stoptober-helping-thousands-quit-smoking

3. BMC Public Health. Hock Kuang lim, Sumarni Mohd Ghazali, Cheong Chee Kee, Kuay Kuang Lim, Ying Ying Chan, Huey Chien The, Ahmad Faudzi Mohd Yusoff, Gurpreet Kaur, Zarinah Mohd Zain, Mohamad Haniki Niki Mohamad & Sallehuddin Salleh. [cited on 16/10/24] Available from https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2458-13-8

4. nst.com.my. Hana Naz Harun, Fuad Nizam. [cited on 16/10/24] Available from https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/05/1051419/600-pct-increase-e-cigarette-users-2023-2011-updated

5. pcrs-uk.org. Noel Baxter. [cited on 16/10/24] Available from https://www.pcrs-uk.org/sites/default/files/CarbonMonoxideTesting.pdf

Children with Asthma: Webinar led by Carol Stonham MBE and Medway Asthma Self-Help, providing key information on managing asthma in children

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Bedfont® Scientific Limited hosted an informative webinar Children with Asthma, with seasoned respiratory nurse Carol Stonham MBE leading the discussion along with Kirsty at Medway Asthma Self-Help (MASH). The webinar was a private screening for local Medway football coaches and gave valuable insights on managing, treating and recognising an asthma emergency.

Carol Stonham MBE, has been a registered nurse since 1986, transitioning from acute hospital settings to primary care by 1990. She serves at the Gloucestershire ICB and leads the Respiratory Clinical Programme Group, as well as co-leading the NHSE South West Respiratory Network, Carol is also a member of the Bedfont® Medical Advisory Board.

MASH is a local charity who have been helping the people of Medway since 1996 with information and support for people with asthma. MASH works with GPs, hospital and Asthma UK to raise awareness and knowledge of asthma for the people of Medway.

Children spend a lot of time away from home, whether it is at school, nursery or clubs, therefore, it is important that when they are away from home, they are safe. If a child has asthma, the responsible adults around them need to know what to do in the case of an asthma emergency.

The webinar covers some important topics:

  • What asthma is,
  • When and how to use an inhaler,
  • What to do in an asthma emergency.

How common is asthma?

Asthma is a common respiratory condition that affects around 5.4 million people in the UK1, with 1.1 million of them being children2. Asthma is the most common long-term condition among children and young people and the UK has among the highest mortality rates in Europe. It is thought that emergency admissions and deaths related to asthma are largely preventable, with these statistics being linked with deprivation2.

It is encouraging to see a small reduction in deaths among children and young people as a result of asthma between 2008-20183, however, even though the figures are low, they are still too elevated for a condition that should be manageable, making the deaths preventable.

Unfortunately, the trend seems to be rising among 15 – 24 year olds3. A report in 2019 found that out of 19 countries, young people are more likely to die from asthma in the UK, compared to those in other wealthy countries4. This is not good enough and we should be doing better than that.

What is asthma?

According to the British Thoracic Society (BTS) and Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guidelines, asthma is the presence of more than 1 of the following symptoms:

  • Wheeze,
  • Breathlessness,
  • Chest tightness,
  • Cough.

It is a combination of variable symptoms, and you may find that over weeks or months, you experience a difference in symptoms. The underlying problem is the airways, the airways can either have hyperresponsiveness, which is an increased sensitivity of the airways or inflammation.

What symptoms do asthma sufferers typically suffer from?

The most common symptoms of asthma are:

  • Cough,
  • Wheeze,
  • Shortness of breath,
  • Exercise limitation,
  • Duration of symptoms,
  • Triggers.

Hopefully, no one suffers from all of the above, but symptoms are variable and can come and go over a period of time. Quite often the person knows what sets their symptoms off.

How does asthma affect the lungs?

Asthma causes an inflammation of the mucous membrane, which can lead to swelling into the airspace, increase in mucous production, twitch airways and bronchospasms.

How do we measure asthma?

There are a few ways asthma can be measured/monitored. First would be a peak expiratory flow meter, this is a simple test where you have a device with a scale. First, you would make sure the slide on the scale is on 0, you would then take a deep breath in and provide a short, sharp blow into the meter.

Another way is spirometry, which is a more advanced look at how the air moves in and out of the chest. It measures how much air you can move out of your chest and how quickly you can do that, as well as the pattern the air follows as it leaves the chest. This test would be carried out in a clinic.

Finally, there is a Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) test. As standard, we produce small amounts of Nitric Oxide in our breath, but when a patient has inflammation in the chest, the type typically seen in asthma, more Nitric Oxide is produced. A FeNO test, carried out by the NObreath® is suitable for both adults and children, it requires you to take a deep breath in and blow into the device at a steady pace.

Asthma is a serious, long-term condition, and poorly controlled asthma can present physical symptoms. Symptoms in children can include:

  • Shortness of breath,
  • Tight chest,
  • Wheeze.

These symptoms can create further issues in children, as if they feel unwell, they are less likely to take part in physical activity, this then leads them to become deconditioned and at risk of obesity, which can make asthma worse. Poorly controlled asthma can also disturb sleep, which affects concentration, emotions and behaviour.

There are also psychological effects that poorly controlled asthma can have on children. Children, typically like to be like other children and having asthma can make them feel different. They might be embarrassed by their inhaler, meaning they may not use it when needed. They may have experienced an asthma attack in the past and it might make them frightened to do things that could trigger another attack, limiting them to what they can do.

Poorly controlled asthma can also affect education outcomes, as children with asthma may be absent from school for medical appointments or asthma attacks. They might also have reduced concentration due to disturbed sleep or feeling unwell.

How do we treat asthma?

There are around 119 different inhalers available, so there are lots of treatments and options. Our aim is for anyone with asthma to have:

  • No daytime symptoms,
  • No night symptoms,
  • No activity limitations,
  • No need for using a rescue inhaler,
  • No side effects from treatment,
  • Normal lung function.

The main part of treating asthma is treating the underlying inflammation, and if we get that treatment right, the swelling will settle down, the airways will open back up and the patient will find it easier to breathe. However, not all treatment is instant, if a brown-coloured preventer inhaler is used, it must be used for a few days. This allows the medication to settle down the inflammation slowly and once settled it is likely to be needed long-term.

Inhalers are broken down into 2 categories:

Treatment:

  • Treats underlying inflammation,
  • Settles swelling,
  • No instant effect,
  • Long term treatment.

Rescue:

  • Treats twitchy airways,
  • Relieves symptoms quickly,
  • Lasts up to 4 hours,
  • Should only be required occasionally.

If anyone is using a blue rescue inhaler more than 3 times a week, their treatment is not quite right and this would need to be assessed. It is important to know the difference between the treatment inhaler, usually orange and brown in colour and the rescue inhaler which is always blue.

Maintenance and reliever therapy (MART) is also used, this is a combination inhaler. The inhaler contains treatment and rescue medication and is used regularly twice a day if there are symptoms. Extra doses of this inhaler should only be needed occasionally.

It is important to get the inhaler technique right, sadly, many people do not know how to use their inhaler properly and this is partly due to insufficient advice from their healthcare provider. This proves that education is key to enabling patients to take their medication correctly.

Types of inhalers:

  • Pressurised metered dose inhaler,
  • Spacer devices,
  • Breath-actuated meter dose inhaler,
  • Dry powder inhaler.

Knowing the different types and the correct way to use them is important. If you have a metered dose inhaler, the breathing technique should be slow and gentle, if you have a dry powder inhaler, you should breathe in fast and hard. If you use the fast and hard technique with a metered dose inhaler, the medication will hit your throat rather than go into your lungs, likewise with the dry powder inhalers, if you do not breathe in fast and hard, you will not move the powder into the lungs.

Spacers are available, usually for children. They are chambers for metered dose inhalers, to slow the speed of the medication and hold it for a few seconds, allowing more time for the user to breathe in. There are many different sizes of spacers available, depending on the age and capability of the users.

What if my asthma is not that good?

If you have all of the previous steps in place and your treatment is correct, asthma can still flair up. If this happens, there are steps you can take to tackle this.

  • Use treatment inhalers regularly,
  • Make sure you know how to best use your inhaler,
  • Be aware of triggers,
  • Book a review with the asthma nurse,
  • If you need your blue rescue inhaler more than 3 times a week, book an appointment,
  • If you are short of breath and your inhaler is not helping, make an urgent GP appointment for the same day.

What should you do in an asthma attack?

Knowing what to do during an asthma attack can be the difference between life and death, the below graphic from Asthma + Lung UK shows the steps you should take during an attack.

https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/conditions/asthma/asthma-attacks#:~:text=an%20AIR%20inhaler-,Sit%20up%20%2D%20try%20to%20keep%20calm.,not%20improving%2C%20repeat%20step%202

To ensure the care is right, everyone should have a personalised asthma action plan. Various formats are available, an example from Asthma + Lung UK below is:

Action plan available from https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/conditions/asthma/manage/your-asthma-action-plan

The green area represents when your asthma is good, this is how it feels when my asthma is good and this is the medication I take to maintain good asthma control.

Amber is when things are starting to get worse, how can I recognise when it is beginning to deteriorate? It gives you steps to follow to improve symptoms and move back into the green.

Red represents an asthma emergency and what to do in this situation.

It is important to recognise when you are in the red and what to do in case this happens, but it is also good to realise when you are in the amber so you can get yourself back on track to green.

Seasonal Variations

here are seasonal variations where we see peaks in asthma admissions, and these can be:

  • Autumn – Back to school,
  • Winter – Winter colds,
  • Spring – Pollen.

The pollen calendar for the UK shows peaks not just in spring but throughout the year

What can trigger asthma?

There are various triggers for asthma, but the most common are:

  • Exercise,
  • Bugs in the home,
  • Chemical fumes,
  • Cold air,
  • Fungus spores,
  • Dust,
  • Smoke,
  • Strong odours,
  • Pollution,
  • Anger,
  • Stress,
  • Pets.

With some lesser-known triggers, such as:

  • Hormones,
  • Damp and mould,
  • Infection,
  • Change in temperature,
  • Thunderstorms,
  • Foods,
  • Alcohol,
  • Drugs,
  • Sex

How can we manage the effect of our triggers?

Sometimes, there is not much that can be done to avoid our triggers, but where possible, you can eliminate or avoid them. You can treat other conditions that trigger your asthma and make sure your asthma is well managed. You can predict the triggers. For example, if hay fever is a trigger, start treating your hay fever early. Lastly, always have your rescue medication to hand.

Parents and carers must understand asthma to understand how the medication works and why it is important. They need to have an asthma action plan, know how to maintain control and know what to do in an emergency. They also need to know what to do if an inhaler has been forgotten.

With asthma still an ongoing serious respiratory condition that kills children every year, this webinar has helped people understand the following:

  • Asthma and the treatment,
  • The goals of the treatment,
  • How and when to use inhalers,
  • Why asthma worsens,
  • What to do in an emergency.

To watch the full webinar and gain in-depth insights, click here.

References

  1. Asthma + Lung UK. [cited on 8/10/24] Available from https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/conditions/asthma/what-asthma
  2. RCPCH State of Child Health. [cited on 8/10/24] Available from https://stateofchildhealth.rcpch.ac.uk/evidence/long-term-conditions/asthma/
  3. PMC PubMed Central. Wei-Yu Chen, Ching-Wei Lin, Ju Lee, Po-Sung Chen, Hui-Ju Tsai and Jiu-Yao Wang. [cited on 8/10/24] Available from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8102795/
  4. BBC News. [cited on 8/10/24] Available from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-47292157#:~:text=Young%20people%20in%20the%20UK%20are%20more%20likely%20to%20die,of%2019%20high%2Dincome%20countries.

Bedfont® Scientific Limited Receives Highly Commended Status at the Kent Mental Wellbeing Awards

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Bedfont® receives recognition for creating a supportive and inclusive workplace and commitment to mental wellbeing.

 The Kent Mental Wellbeing Awards, an event delivered by Mind in Bexley, are held annually to showcase the people, organisations and initiatives that help us cope with life. Bedfont® was nominated for one of these awards last Summer.

Bedfont® is a local MedTech company, based in Harrietsham, with over 47 years of expertise and knowledge in designing and manufacturing medical breath analysis devices. With mental wellbeing at the heart of Bedfont®, there is a dedicated team of Wellbeing Warriors in force, ensuring a healthy work/life balance for all staff members.

Jason Smith, CEO at Bedfont® comments “At Bedfont®, mental wellbeing is at the core of everything we do. We understand that when our employees feel supported and empowered, they thrive, not just professionally, but personally as well.”

The Wellbeing Warriors work tirelessly around the clock, organising stress-busting activities, external talks on relevant topics, and healthy breakfasts or lunches. All of which are designed to create a supportive and balanced work environment. They are also on hand to listen, offer guidance, and provide practical solutions to anyone struggling.

Bedfont® narrowly missed out on scooping the win but has received the ‘Highly Commended’ status by the Kent Mental Wellbeing Awards, highlighting the hard work and effort by the team by fostering a healthy work/life balance.

Claire Dadswell, Wellbeing Manager says “The wellbeing team are delighted to have been awarded the Highly commended Status for our wellbeing efforts in the workplace. This recognition reflects our commitment to creating a workplace where every individual can thrive, feel supported, and bring their best selves to work each day. Together, we continue to build a culture of care, balance, and wellbeing.”

The Bedfont® Wellbeing Warriors continue to bring employees together, encouraging them to take a break from their desks and join in activities designed to help them switch off from work temporarily, giving their minds a break.

To keep up to date with all the activities and news at Bedfont®, follow their social channels. @bedfontLtd

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