NICE Guidelines for Asthma Care: #FeNOFirst

The NICE guidelines for asthma diagnosis and monitoring have brought FeNO testing to the forefront of asthma care in the UK. This updated guidance reflects a growing need for more accurate, evidence-based diagnosis and management. At Primary Care Supplies, we are proud to be a UK distributor of the NObreath® FeNO monitor and part of the FeNO First initiative, developed in collaboration with Bedfont Scientific.

What Do the NICE Guidelines Say?

The NICE NG245 guideline recommends Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) testing to support the diagnosis of asthma in adults, young people, and children aged five and over. FeNO testing is also recommended during reviews and when symptoms worsen.

According to NHS England, FeNO is a reliable marker of airway inflammation, particularly eosinophilic inflammation, which helps clinicians determine whether corticosteroids are likely to be effective.

FeNO testing is:

Non-invasive
Suitable for children and adults
Fast, with instant results
A valuable guide for treatment planning

Why FeNO First?

Historically, asthma diagnosis has relied on subjective tools like peak flow monitoring, spirometry, and symptom diaries. These have limitations and can delay or mislead diagnosis. That’s why Intermedical and Bedfont created FeNO First — a clinical message urging healthcare professionals to begin with the most objective and reliable test available.

Using FeNO at the beginning of the asthma pathway enables:

Faster, more confident diagnosis
Targeted treatment plans
Reduction in unnecessary prescriptions
Improved patient outcomes

Why Choose the NObreath® FeNO Monitor?

The NObreath® FeNO monitor is trusted in primary and secondary care across the UK. It has been tried and tested in clinical practice and is recommended by NICE. Designed to be accessible and efficient, NObreath® empowers clinicians to deliver guideline-led asthma care with ease.

Key features include:

Suitable for both adults and children with intuitive on-screen prompts
Simple touchscreen control with icon-based menus on a high-resolution display
Instant and accurate FeNO readings, saving time during appointments
On-screen incentives for patient compliance, ensuring reliable readings
No limits on the number of tests, with no need to replace the device over time
Reusable mouthpieces for single-patient use, reducing waste and ongoing costs
Free PC software (FeNOchart™) for downloading readings and tracking progress

The NObreath® monitor offers a low cost of ownership and is designed to work efficiently in busy clinical environments.

A Cost-Effective Long-Term Investment

The long-term benefits of FeNO testing are clear. Practices using FeNO can reduce:

Inappropriate corticosteroid prescribing
The need for oral steroids
Hospital admissions from poorly managed asthma

Unlike devices that rely on cartridges or test limits, the NObreath® offers consistent, affordable testing. Reusable patient-specific mouthpieces help further reduce costs, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious practices.

Full Support from Primary Care Supplies

At Primary Care Supplies, we offer complete support to make implementation straightforward. Our services include:

Product demonstrations and training
Clinical and patient-facing education materials
Technical support
Flexible rental and purchase options

Start with FeNO. Start with NObreath®

The latest NICE guidelines have made FeNO testing an essential part of asthma care. With the trusted performance of the NObreath® FeNO monitor and the strength of the FeNO First message, your practice can lead the way in delivering safer, smarter asthma diagnosis and management.