New FeNO devices to improve asthma diagnosis across Hywel Dda

Pictured above: The devices in action.

Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, has funded two FeNO devices worth over £1,800 for use across Pembrokeshire communities.

Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) devices test inflammation in the lungs. This can help diagnose high-risk asthma patients and stratify them into treatment groups.

Claire Hurlin, Strategic Head Community and Chronic Conditions, said: “We’re so pleased that charitable funds have enabled us to purchase the new FeNO devices. These machines allow us to improve the assessment of children with asthma in our schools project and the spirometry hub.

“FeNO is a simple breath test. Early detection and effective treatment will improve quality of life for the patients and reduce the risk of hospital admission and death. Another benefit of the device is that patients often find the numerical readings motivating, seeing their inflammation levels decrease encourages them to maintain good treatment adherence, leading to better long‑term outcomes.

“The devices will also help identify people on asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) registers who do not have asthma or are being over-treated with anti-inflammatory inhalers.”

Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”