Exhaled breath condensates in asthma: diagnostic and therapeutic implications

J Breath Res. 2010 Dec;4(4):047001. doi: 10.1088/1752-7155/4/4/047001. Epub 2010 Nov 30.

Abstract

Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) collection and analysis offers a unique non-invasive method to sample the airway lining fluid. It enables classification and quantification of airway inflammation associated with various pulmonary diseases such as asthma. Over the last decade, innumerable efforts have been made to identify biomarkers in EBC for diagnosis and management of asthma. The aim of this review is to consolidate information available to date, summarize findings from studies and identify potential biomarkers which need further refinement through translational research prior to application in clinical practice.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arachidonic Acid / metabolism
  • Asthma / diagnosis*
  • Asthma / metabolism*
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Breath Tests*
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Environmental Exposure / adverse effects
  • Exhalation*
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux / complications
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / metabolism
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Nitrogen Oxides / metabolism
  • Occupational Diseases / diagnosis
  • Occupational Diseases / metabolism
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Smoking / adverse effects
  • Specimen Handling

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Cytokines
  • Nitrogen Oxides
  • Arachidonic Acid
  • Hydrogen Peroxide