Bedfont® Scientific Limited, an innovative medical technology company specializing in medical breath analyzers, welcomes new research at Southampton University Hospital investigating whether enhanced asthma testing can reduce inhaler use in children. For over 15 years, Bedfont® has helped improve asthma treatment with its NObreath® fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) device, which measures airway inflammation through exhaled breath. A quick and easy test provides objective insight for clinicians to guide medication decisions, reduce unnecessary painkiller prescribing, prevent over-reliance on blue inhalers, and avoid future asthma attacks.
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Studies have shown that children who use six or more blue relief inhalers per year are three to five times more likely to have an asthma attack. Relief inhalers only treat the immediate symptoms and mask underlying airway inflammation that can lead to further deterioration.
The research aims to create a new alert system that will automatically notify general practitioners (GPs) if excessive amounts of inhaled drugs are prescribed to children, prompting immediate testing. This allows medical professionals to conduct tests and prevent future attacks.
We welcome this important study, which highlights the growing problem of overuse of painkiller inhalers in children. This is a clear sign that many young people are still not receiving adequate support for long-term asthma control. Over-reliance on blue inhalers often reflects uncontrolled airway inflammation and missed opportunities for targeted therapy. That’s why we continue to advocate for increased accessibility of FeNO testing in primary care. FeNO testing is a guideline-recommended, evidence-based tool that helps clinicians identify and treat underlying inflammation early. Improving access to FeNO testing across the UK will help reduce the use of unnecessary painkillers, improve outcomes for children and support GPs in providing truly personalized asthma care. ”
Jason Smith, Bedfont® CEO
Although UK asthma guidelines currently recommend FeNO testing as a first-line test, access remains inconsistent across primary care. As a result, many children continue to be managed without the benefit of objective airway inflammation testing, increasing the risk of poorly controlled asthma and over-reliance on painkiller inhalers. Overuse of palliative inhalers in children is a well-known marker of uncontrolled asthma and increases the risk of asthma exacerbation and emergency hospitalization.
Greater investment and targeted funding is urgently needed to support widespread adoption of FeNO technology in primary care, helping clinicians provide earlier and more accurate diagnoses and reduce preventable harm.
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Bedfont® Scientific Limited
