NICE Asthma Guidelines Recommend FeNO Testing First: Why the NObreath® FeNO Monitor Is Essential for Primary Care

Asthma affects over five million people in the UK. For decades, primary care relied on symptom-based assessments and variable peak flow readings to guide diagnosis. But as asthma cases continue to rise and treatment pathways become more complex, the new NICE asthma guidelines have made it clear: FeNO testing should now be the first step in asthma diagnosis.

In response to this update, Primary Care Supplies is proud to support clinicians with the Bedfont NObreath® FeNO monitor, a proven tool that delivers fast, accurate, and objective asthma assessments in general practice.

What Are the New NICE Asthma Guidelines?

In 2024, NICE released revised guidance on asthma diagnosis and monitoring in partnership with the British Thoracic Society and the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network. These updated recommendations emphasise the need for objective testing at the earliest possible stage.

According to the guidelines:

Children aged five and over and adults with suspected asthma should receive FeNO testing as a first line investigation
A FeNO level of 50 parts per billion or more for adults (35ppb for children aged 5 - 16 years old) is a strong indicator of eosinophilic airway inflammation
FeNO results should be considered alongside spirometry and peak flow variability, but no longer should symptoms alone drive diagnosis
Reversible airflow obstruction should not be used in isolation to confirm asthma

This update reflects growing evidence that relying on symptoms alone leads to widespread misdiagnosis, with thousands of patients each year being treated for a condition they do not have or missing treatment they do need.

What Is FeNO Testing and Why Does It Matter?

FeNO (Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide) testing is a simple breath test that measures the level of nitric oxide in the lungs. Raised nitric oxide levels are a sign of eosinophilic inflammation, a key biomarker in asthma.

FeNO testing plays a critical role by:

Providing objective confirmation of inflammation
Helping distinguish asthma from other respiratory conditions
Supporting more targeted treatment decisions
Monitoring response to inhaled corticosteroids over time
Reducing the risk of overprescribing or underprescribing inhalers

For clinicians in primary care, FeNO is a fast, reliable way to assess airway inflammation without relying on subjective reports or inconsistent lung function tests.

Why the NObreath® FeNO Monitor is the Right Choice

The Bedfont NObreath® is one of the most trusted FeNO monitors in the UK. Used by NHS clinics and private practices alike, it is the ideal device to help implement the new NICE asthma guidelines at a local level.

Key benefits of the NObreath® monitor include:

Easy to use: Simple touch-screen interface and animated instructions guide patients of all ages through the test
Cost effective: Low consumable costs and no calibration required make it suitable for busy GP surgeries and respiratory hubs
Accurate and reliable: Provides quick results with reproducible accuracy for consistent asthma management
Portable: Lightweight and compact, making it easy to share between practices or use in outreach services
Supports long-term monitoring: Helps clinicians assess how well patients are responding to treatment and whether inhalers are being used effectively

You can view the NObreath® FeNO monitor here.

NICE Guidelines Are Driving Change Across Primary Care

By adopting FeNO testing into routine asthma assessment, primary care can:

Reduce unnecessary prescriptions
Improve patient confidence in their diagnosis
Avoid inappropriate referrals to secondary care
Meet NHS Long Term Plan goals for respiratory disease
Align with quality improvement frameworks and ICB priorities

The updated guidance also reflects the emphasis on personalised care. FeNO values help tailor inhaled corticosteroid doses to patient needs, reducing side effects and improving adherence.

How to Introduce FeNO Testing in Your Practice

Implementing FeNO testing does not need to be difficult. At Primary Care Supplies, we offer:

The NObreath® FeNO monitor, ready to use with minimal training
A comprehensive support package, including how-to guides and staff training
Fast delivery and expert customer service from a UK-based team
Access to clinical webinars and evidence-based resources
Ongoing supply of consumables at competitive prices

The NHS and Integrated Care Boards are increasingly commissioning FeNO testing as part of respiratory diagnostic hubs and enhanced primary care services. By investing in FeNO now, your practice can stay ahead of national expectations and deliver guideline-compliant care.

Equip Your Team to Meet the New NICE Asthma Guidelines

The message is clear. FeNO testing is no longer a specialist tool– it is a primary care essential. With the NObreath® monitor, you can provide accurate asthma assessments in just a few minutes, right from your consultation room.

Ensure your clinical team is equipped to follow the NICE asthma guidelines and offer every patient the highest standard of care.

Explore the Bedfont NObreath® FeNO monitor or contact our team for expert advice on setting up FeNO testing today.