Month: April 2023

World Asthma Day – 2nd May 2023

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Organized by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), World Asthma Day is an annual awareness day aimed at raising awareness of asthma and improving healthcare, with this year’s theme focusing on ‘Asthma care for All’1. Thanks to over 15 years of experience in FeNO monitoring, Bedfont® Scientific Ltd has developed a FeNO breath analysis device that can aid in the diagnosis and management of asthma. Bedfont® is working to increase access to FeNO monitoring worldwide through its dedicated network of distributors and Key Opinion Leaders.

Did you know that worldwide asthma affected an estimated 262 million people in 2019 and caused 455,000 deaths?2 The central process within asthma and many other lung diseases is airway inflammation, and being able to detect airway inflammation levels and monitor a patient’s response to treatment is regarded as a gold standard in the management of respiratory diseases.

When airways are inflamed Nitric Oxide (NO) is naturally produced by your body to help combat inflammation. This production of NO is often found to be higher in inflammatory conditions such as asthma, and an innovative way of detecting and managing such conditions is done through FeNO monitoring. Two funded projects in the UK have presented data from a staff survey in primary care that shows that 83% of survey respondents have felt that FeNO testing has improved confidence levels when diagnosing asthma, and 90% believe that access to FeNO testing has supported the diagnosis of asthma with patients3.

Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) is a measure of the concentration of NO gas particles in exhaled breath, expressed in parts per billion (ppb). The NObreath® FeNO device by Bedfont® Scientific Ltd. is easy to use with its simple exhale-only technique and on-screen visual motivation. With over 10 years of clinical use featuring in many studies worldwide, the NObreath® FeNO device aids in the diagnosis & management of asthma for both adult and child patients, giving you the ability to also store up to 25 results in up to 50 patient profiles with full graph results.

With a handheld, portable, easy-to-use device, Bedfont® is helping to break FeNO accessibility barriers. Previously FeNO breath analysis has been expensive, however, we have made it more cost-effective by having low-cost mouthpieces with a long shelf-life. The NObreath® includes a 5-year warranty on the device and sensor, and we have also simplified the service and maintenance options. To find out how you can support your patients with FeNO monitoring to improve ‘Asthma care for All’ this World Asthma Day, visit https://www.nobreathfeno.com.

References:

1. Rurey K. 2023 World Asthma Day – Global Initiative for Asthma [Internet]. GINA. 2023 [cited 2023Apr4]. Available from: https://ginasthma.org/2023-world-asthma-day/

2. Asthma [Internet]. World Health Organization. World Health Organization; [cited 2023Apr17]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asthma

3. Feno testing in Primary Care [Internet]. West of England Academic Health Science Network. 2023 [cited 2023Apr17]. Available from: https://www.weahsn.net/our-work/case-study/feno-testing-in-primary-care/

IBS Awareness Month – April 2023

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Since 1997, April has been designated as IBS Awareness month by IFFGD (International Foundations for Gastrointestinal Disorders) and listed on the National Health Observances calendar1. This date gives the ability to impact positive outcomes such as providing additional research, increased educational opportunities, and improved patient care for the functional gastrointestinal community1.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects the digestive system, causing symptoms such as stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation. Irritations tend to come and go over time and can last for days, weeks or months at a time2. In England and Wales, the number of people consulting for IBS is estimated to be between 1.6 and 3.9 million3. Unfortunately, although it is fairly common, IBS goes relatively undiagnosed and people are unaware that their symptoms indicate a medically recognized disorder1.

Traditional investigational methods can include invasive blood tests and lengthy waiting times for bloodwork analysis and results. Despite the fact that there is no direct test for IBS, the Gastrolyzer® range by Bedfont® Scientific Ltd. offers a quick and non-invasive breath analysis tool that can help when investigating a patient’s symptoms.

Hydrogen and Methane Breath Testing (HMBT) with the Gastrolyzer® range works by measuring exhaled levels of H2 & CH4 produced when the bacteria in the gut breaks down food. Interpreting these gas levels can help determine and/or rule out gastrointestinal disorders, such as carbohydrate malabsorption and sugar intolerances.

With results promptly displayed onscreen, it reduces the time of your patient’s discomfit, making HMBT an ideal tool for doctors, dietitians, and gastroenterologists.

All the necessary information about how you can help your patients with the Gastrolyzer® range products can be found on our website, https://www.gastrolyzer.com.

References:

1. Ibs awareness month [Internet]. About IBS. 2022 [cited 2023Mar6]. Available from: https://aboutibs.org/living-with-ibs/ibs-awareness-month/

2. NHS choices. NHS; [cited 2023Mar6]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/

3. Irritable bowel syndrome [Internet]. NICE. 2015. [Cited 10th March 2023]. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/qs114/documents/irritable-bowel-syndrome-in-adults-qs-briefing-paper2

Bedfont® Scientific Ltd. achieves Platinum Business Award presented by Kent County Council (KCC)

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Med-tech company, Bedfont®, has received the highest accolade for their workplace initiatives

In just under 6 months, Kent County Council has presented Bedfont® with the highest award possible for promoting a positive work environment, a healthy work/life balance, and showing its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.

After joining the Healthy Workplace Programme last year, in October Bedfont® announced it had received 3 awards for their efforts to create a positive workplace environment. Now in just under 6 months, Bedfont® has excelled in building new initiatives and putting the wellbeing of employees at the forefront of the business, resulting in being rewarded with the Platinum status.

The programme, funded by the KCC and Medway Council, helps to support health and wellbeing at work with relevant policies, training and guidance(1). Recent studies have shown that those with a healthy work/life balance have more motivation and are more productive at work(2).

Jason Smith, Managing Director at Bedfont®, remarks, “I’m over the moon with having achieved the Platinum award in just under 6 months! It’s really great to be recognised for the efforts we are making to make Bedfont® a great and innovative place to work. Although this might be the highest achievement, there is always more we can do to improve; I look forward to the Bedfont® Family rising to the next challenge as we continue to grow.”

The Kent and Medway awards team, comments, “This award is the highest level of achievement within the programme and highlights Bedfont® Scientific’s commitment as a responsible business in the local community. Although it can be difficult to suggest improvements and progression for a business that works at the Platinum level, Bedfont® should be very proud of their work around health and wellbeing as they have implemented many great initiatives and ensure to maintain their current culture.”

References:

1. Council M. Healthy workplace programme [Internet]. Healthy Workplace Programme | Medway Council. [cited 2023Mar16]. Available from: https://www.medway.gov.uk/healthyworkplace

2. 10 statistics on work-life balance that May surprise you (2023) [Internet]. Apollo Technical LLC. 2023 [cited 2023Mar16]. Available from: https://www.apollotechnical.com/statistics-on-work-life-balance/