Category: Uncategorized

In light of the startling figures mentioned above, this blog examines CO monitoring and how it can help with a quit-smoking attempt.

What is CO, and why is it harmful?

CO is a colourless, odourless gas found in cigarette smoke. When inhaled, it is absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs. The CO attaches to the haemoglobin in red blood cells and blocks the oxygen they carry, starving your body of oxygen. This can then lead to many health complications and smoking-related diseases², such as:

• Cancer,
• Breathing and chronic respiratory conditions,
• Heart disease, stroke and blood circulation problems,
• Diabetes,
• And many more serious illnesses.

The consequences of smoking are staggering, with smoking-related deaths remaining the UK’s biggest preventable killer, causing 1 in 4 cancer deaths and 64,000 deaths per year in England³.

How CO monitoring works

CO monitoring is an easy, non-invasive way to track CO levels in exhaled breath. CO is a gas naturally found in a person’s exhaled breath, and it is normal to have a small amount of CO in your breath. However, as smokers inhale CO when smoking, a higher level of CO is exhaled.

Why is CO monitoring useful for smoking cessation?

People embarking on a quit-smoking journey can benefit from using a CO device like the Smokerlyzer® by receiving immediate insights into their smoking-related CO levels. Seeing a decline in CO levels after quitting can be a strong motivator and reinforce a person’s reason for quitting.

With smoking killing over 8 million people a year, it is clear that more needs to be done to aid smoking cessation and relieve the burden of smoking-related illnesses on healthcare providers worldwide. CO monitoring is a proven tool to help people with a quit attempt and take control of their health. To learn more about CO monitoring with devices like the Smokerlyzer®, visit the website here.

References

1. World Health Organization. [cited on 2/5/24] Available from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tobacco 
2. Department of Health and Aged Care. Effects of smoking and tobacco [Internet]. Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. 2024. Available from: https://www.health.gov.au/topics/smoking-vaping-and-tobacco/about-smoking/effects
3. Prime Minister to create ‘smokefree generation’ by ending cigarette sales to those born on or after 1 January 2009 [Internet]. GOV.UK. 2023. [Cited Monday 16th September 2024]. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/prime-minister-to-create-smokefree-generation-by-ending-cigarette-sales-to-those-born-on-or-after-1-january-2009
4. Pilot Study of the Use of Personal Carbon Monoxide Monitoring to Achieve Radical Smoking Reduction. Journal of Smoking Cessation. Emma Beard and Robert West (2012). [cited on 31/5/24] Available from https://web.archive.org/web/20180721211143id_/https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/0BAC2289E42E9C31C892D54BF7980237/S1834261212000011a.pdf/div-class-title-pilot-study-of-the-use-of-personal-carbon-monoxide-monitoring-to-achieve-radical-smoking-reduction-div.pdf

New partnership with Medvision for Medical Services Company brings the Gastrolyzer® range to Kuwait.

Bedfont® Scientific Limited, world leaders in breath analysis, is pleased to announce its collaboration with Medvision for Medical Services Company in Kuwait. Medvision, a leading distributor of high-quality medical equipment, disposables and services to the public and private sectors, has recently secured registration for the Gastrolyzer® range of Hydrogen-Methane Breath Testing (HMBT) devices.

“This registration and partnership represent a key milestone in our mission to expand globally while staying locally relevant,” said Jason Smith, CEO of Bedfont®. “Kuwait is a strategically important market for us, and with Medvision’s strong local expertise, we are confident that our HMBT range will reach and support the region with the quality and innovation they expect.”

Sharing high-quality and patient-focused values, this partnership marks a significant step in expanding Bedfont’s innovative technology in the Middle East. It will allow easier access and localised support for patients seeking reliable and advanced HMBT diagnostics.

The Gastrolyzer® range is now officially registered by Medvision, ensuring compliance with local regulations and streamlined access for end-users in Kuwait. For more information on the Gastrolyzer® range and how it revolutionises gastrointestinal investigation, click here.

Electromed Corporation completes registration for piCO™ CO device in Pakistan

Bedfont® Scientific Limited, an innovative med-tech company and world leaders in breath analysis, has partnered with Electromed Corporation. Electromed, an intensive respiratory and sleep care equipment business, has recently completed registration for the piCO™ Smokerlyzer® CO device, bringing the innovative technology of CO monitoring for smoking cessation to Pakistan.

Monin Uddin, the NObreath® and Smokerlyzer® Product Manager at Electromed, said, “This achievement marks a significant milestone in expanding access to innovative respiratory diagnostics in the region. We’re excited to announce that the Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) registration for NObreath® is imminent, further enhancing our product offerings. Electromed is fully engaged in promoting Smokerlyzer® and NObreath® across Pakistan, ensuring healthcare professionals have the tools they need to deliver exceptional patient care”.

Smoking cessation is notoriously difficult, but monitoring CO levels during a quit attempt allows patients to see their CO levels in real-time, giving them the motivation to quit. CO is a colourless, odourless gas that is found in tobacco smoke, and high levels of CO can lead to various health complications and smoking-related diseases, such as cancer, breathing problems, chronic respiratory conditions, heart disease, stroke and blood circulation problems¹. The piCO™ is a breath CO device that enables patients to monitor their CO levels during a quit smoking attempt.

Jason Smith, CEO at Bedfont®, comments, “We are thrilled to partner with Electromed Corporation as they complete registration for the piCO™ Smokerlyzer® CO device. Their strong regional presence and proven track record makes them an ideal collaborator as we expand access to our innovative technology. This partnership marks an important step in our mission to provide cutting-edge breath analysis medical products worldwide.”

Electromed Corporation is an ideal collaboration, aligning with Bedfont’s core values of providing excellent patient-centred care and innovation. This partnership will ensure the innovative technology of the piCO™ Smokerlyzer® is available across Pakistan, ultimately improving smoking cessation outcomes in the region.

For more information on the Smokerlyzer® range of CO devices, visit the website here.

References

1. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. What Are the Harms Caused by smoking? [Internet]. NICE. 2024. Available from: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/smoking-cessation/background-information/harms-caused-by-smoking/

During Love Your Lungs Week, we highlight how breath analysis technology transforms our understanding, diagnosis, and protection of lung health. Non-invasive tools like the Smokerlyzer® Carbon Monoxide (CO) monitoring device and the NObreath® Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) device turn a simple exhale into powerful clinical data.

Love Your Lungs Week, launched in 2019 by the British Lung Foundation (Now Asthma + Lung UK), is an annual health awareness campaign observed in the UK. The campaign aims to raise awareness about lung health and the importance of good lung health¹.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Nitric Oxide (NO)

NO is a gas that is naturally present in exhaled breath. In healthy lungs, it plays a normal role in immune defence and regulating airway function. However, increased NO levels can indicate airway inflammation, which is commonly found in patients with asthma⁵. If airway inflammation is untreated, it can contribute to several health risks, such as⁶:

• Airway and lung damage,
• Increased risk of infection,
• Severe asthma exacerbations.

Various studies and reports have highlighted the importance of CO monitoring devices for smoking cessation and FeNO testing for asthma care and management.

• CO monitoring devices

A study by Beard and West (2012) on the effectiveness of personal Carbon Monoxide monitoring found that out of 10 smokers, “7 of the smokers reported that they felt as though the devices had reduced their cigarette consumption… 6 smokers reported a lower nicotine dependency relative to baseline. Over the 6 weeks, there appeared to be a significant decline in the number of cigarettes smoked per day⁷”.

• FeNO testing

In a recent study by Lewis et al (2025), on the qualitative insights into planning implementation of FeNO-guided asthma management in primary care found that participants, comprising policymakers, healthcare managers, NHS commissioners, healthcare professionals with extended roles, patients, and patient advocates, acknowledged that FeNO-informed asthma management could enhance care by providing objective measures of airway inflammation, aiding in personalised treatment⁸.

Love Your Lungs Week is dedicated to raising awareness of lung health and encouraging people to take better care of their respiratory health. This week is the perfect time to take control of lung health. A simple breath test with devices like the Smokerlyzer® and NObreath® can motivate a quit smoking attempt or ensure that someone with asthma can live a normal, unrestricted life with their condition well-controlled.

To learn more about the Smokerlyzer® and NObreath®, visit the website here.

References

1. Love Your Lungs Week [Internet]. Asthma + Lung UK. 2025 [cited 2025 May 19]. Available from: https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/love-your-lungs-week
2. Dogar O, Amer Nordin AS, Barnoya J, Ayo-Yusuf O, Bullen C. Tobacco Cessation Research in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A commentary on Challenges, Innovations and Opportunities. Nicotine and Tobacco Research [Internet]. 2025 Jan 22 [cited 2025 Jan 25]; Available from: https://academic.oup.com/ntr/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/ntr/ntaf019/7972768?redirectedFrom=PDF&casa_token=TetwwA-qTqMAAAAA:aiUt-AK625v2nZKcN2MGbrWVOaPNqm8wdog5APMKjDkVjjTyTmU6myO6F_L3x585rvPTLCSxIAxkp
3. World Health Organization. Asthma [Internet]. World Health Organization. World Health Organization; 2024. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asthma
4. UK Health Security Agency. Carbon monoxide: general information [Internet]. GOV.UK. 2022. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/carbon-monoxide-properties-incident-management-and-toxicology/carbon-monoxide-general-information
5. ‌Ritz T, Salsman ML, Young DA, Lippert AR, Khan DA, Ginty AT. Boosting nitric oxide in stress and respiratory infection: Potential relevance for asthma and COVID-19. Brain, Behavior, & Immunity – Health [Internet]. 2021 Jul [cited 2023 Mar 2];14:100255. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8019595/
6. Asthma.com. Effects of Asthma Over Time | Asthma.com [Internet]. www.asthma.com. 2021. Available from: https://www.asthma.com/treating-asthma/effects-of-asthma/
7. ‌Pilot Study of the Use of Personal Carbon Monoxide Monitoring to Achieve Radical Smoking Reduction. Journal of Smoking Cessation. Emma Beard and Robert West (2012). [cited on 31/5/24] Available from https://web.archive.org/web/20180721211143id_/https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/0BAC2289E42E9C31C892D54BF7980237/S1834261212000011a.pdf/div-class-title-pilot-study-of-the-use-of-personal-carbon-monoxide-monitoring-to-achieve-radical-smoking-reduction-div.pdf

 Lewis G, Morton K, Santillo M, Yardley L, Wang K, Ainsworth B, et al. Qualitative insights into planning implementation of FeNO-guided asthma management in primary care. npj Primary Care Respiratory Medicine. 2025 Mar 20;35(1). Available from https://www.nature.com/articles/s41533-025-00418-w

With wellbeing embedded into its culture, Bedfont® leads by example this World Wellbeing Week.

World Wellbeing Week is a global awareness event recognised annually during the last week of June. Launched in 2019 by Wellbeing World, the event promotes physical, mental, emotional, social, and environmental wellbeing in workplaces, communities and homes. Bedfont® Scientific Limited, a medical breath analysis device manufacturing company with over 48 years of experience, actively promotes workplace wellbeing and welcomes this year’s World Wellbeing Week.

With an estimated 776,000 workers in Great Britain suffering from work-related stress, depression, or anxiety in 2023/24¹, companies must do better to ensure employee wellbeing. Bedfont® has a dedicated team of Wellbeing Warriors who work tirelessly to ensure a healthy work/life balance for all employees. Various activities and events are held throughout the year for staff, such as healthy breakfasts and lunches, stress-busting activities, active challenges, and weekly walks, all designed to encourage staff to step away from their desks and take a break.

Claire Dadswell, Wellbeing Manager at Bedfont®, comments, “Prioritising wellbeing in the workplace is not just a moral responsibility, it’s a strategic driver of performance and culture. Employees who feel supported, healthy, and valued are more engaged, motivated, and resilient. However, the true impact of any wellbeing initiative depends on leadership. When the senior management team actively supports and champions wellbeing, it sends a powerful message. That commitment filters through every company level, creating a culture where care, productivity, and purpose thrive together.”

“At Bedfont®, wellbeing is more than a policy, it’s a daily priority.” Said Jason Smith, CEO at Bedfont®. “We genuinely care about how our people feel, and that’s why we’ve introduced things like red light and PEMF therapy, a Wellbeing Garden, and flexible work options. When our team feels supported and balanced, they can perform at their best, individually and collectively.”

Earlier this month, the most recent team-building event saw the Bedfont® office close for the afternoon, and staff were treated to various activities and relaxation at St Andrews Lake. This is just one of many initiatives arranged by the Wellbeing Warriors, which give staff a much-needed wellbeing boost.

By embedding wellbeing into its culture and daily operations, Bedfont® has seen the positive impact, and other organisations can benefit from a similar approach. For more information and to follow Bedfont’s wellbeing initiatives, find them on social media or visit www.bedfont.com.

References

1. BreadcrumbList [Internet]. Priory. 2025 [cited 2025 May 8]. Available from: https://www.priorygroup.com/mental-health/stress-treatment/stress-statistics?
2. Martin DS. What Is PEMF Therapy? 5 Things You Should Know [Internet]. The Joint Replacement Center of Scottsdale. 2024. Available from: https://jointreplacementcenterscottsdale.com/blog/what-is-pemf-therapy/

Teams from Bedfont® and Perrys Chartered Accountants to go head-to-head in fundraising event.

Bedfont® Scientific Limited, a local MedTech company with over 48 years of knowledge and expertise in designing and manufacturing medical breath analysis devices, is proud to participate in a charity football match on Saturday, 14^th June, to raise funds for Communigrow, a sustainable food education charity based in East Malling. The event, hosted by Perrys Chartered Accountants, will take place from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Princes Park Community Pitch at Dartford Football Club.

Communigrow is a charity dedicated to teaching children, young people, and adults how to grow fresh food using chemical-free, sustainable methods. It supports the local community by donating a portion of its produce to local food projects and providing veg boxes for purchase. To learn more about Communigrow and their outstanding work, visit their website here.

“We’re proud to support Communigrow and the incredible work they do in our community,” said Jason Smith, CEO of Bedfont®. “By entering a team to take part in this charity match, we hope to make a meaningful contribution while also bringing our colleagues together for a great cause. It’s a fantastic opportunity to give back and have fun doing it.”

As Communigrow’s mission focuses on sustainability and wellbeing, Bedfont® was thrilled to be invited to share in those values and take part in a friendly match. The game will bring together employees from both Bedfont® and Perrys Chartered Accountants for some friendly competition.

Steve Hale, Managing Partner at Perrys Chartered Accountants, comments, “Perrys is proud to support Communigrow by hosting this charity football match against Bedfont® Scientific. With Perrys FC football skills on display and support from family and friends, we aim to raise over £1,000 for their community work. A special thanks to our Perrys Historic Dockyard branch for organising.”

Perrys Chartered Accountants is a well-established accountancy firm, with several branches across the South East. Perrys has a strong connection in the local community, sponsoring local charities and events. This charity football match aims to raise awareness of the work Communigrow do and raise vital funds so their work can continue. To find out more about Perrys Chartered Accounts, visit the website here.

Members of the public are invited to attend the event and show their support, with refreshments and donation opportunities available throughout the day. The event is cash only, and all proceeds from the day will go directly to Communigrow.

To learn more about Bedfont®, please visit our website here.

Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) is extensively utilised in both primary and secondary care settings worldwide. Many regions recommend FeNO-guided management as part of their clinical protocols. This article reviews FeNO-related guidelines in the UK and internationally, with a focus on comparing approaches across different regions.

Guidelines

NICE, BTS, and SIGN guidelines¹:

The latest and most significant updates to UK guidelines were in November 2024, when the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the British Thoracic Society (BTS), and the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) updated and published a joint guideline on asthma diagnosis, monitoring, and chronic asthma management. Before this, NICE, BTS, and SIGN published their guidelines independently, the newly published guidelines bring harmonisation across the board. This review brings significant changes to asthma care approaches, including applying FeNO testing- an objective airway inflammation test for aiding in asthma diagnosis and management.

The guideline can be read here.

ERS guidelines²:

In 2022, the European Respiratory Society (ERS) updated its guidelines for the diagnosis of asthma in adults. In patients suspected of asthma, in whom the diagnosis is not established based on the initial spirometry combined with bronchodilator reversibility testing, ERS suggest measuring FeNO as part of the diagnostic work-up of adults aged > 18 years old with suspected asthma (conditional recommendation for the intervention, moderate quality of evidence).

The guideline can be read here.

DGP guidelines³:

The German Respiratory Society (The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Pneumologie und Beatmungsmedizin, DGP) is the largest and oldest medical professional organisation for respiratory disorders. The latest guidelines on asthma, published in 2023, titled ‘S2K guidelines for specialist diagnosis and therapy of asthma’. FeNO is described as an indispensable component of specialist asthma diagnostics.

The guideline can be read here.

ATS guidelines^4,5:

In 2011, the American Thoracic Society (ATS) developed guidance on the interpretation of FeNO testing in adults and children (up to 12 years old). The latest update to the American Thoracic Society (ATS) regarding FeNO to guide the treatment of asthma was in 2021. The update includes FeNO testing being strongly recommended to manage asthma in patients, in addition to usual care.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), published a joint statement in 2012 in response to the ATS guidelines “The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology formally recognize and support the 2011 ATS Clinical Practice Guideline on the Interpretation of Exhaled Nitric Oxide for Clinical Applications.”⁶.

 The guideline can be read here and here.

GINA guidelines^7,8:

The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) works with healthcare professionals, patient representatives, and public health officials around the world to reduce asthma prevalence, morbidity, and mortality. GINA’s guidelines, which were updated in 2024, recognise FeNO as a useful biomarker for aiding in asthma diagnosis and management. The guideline provides ppb recommendations for diagnosis; however, for children, GINA does not specify exact cutoffs but acknowledges its role in guiding treatment.

The guideline can be read here and here.

Reimbursement for FeNO:

Each country has different policies regarding reimbursement for FeNO testing. In England, practices strive to accomplish maximal Quality and Outcomes Framework (QoF)⁹ points to maintain practice income and fund expenses such as the purchase and maintenance of equipment, for example, FeNO devices. Currently, the QoF requirement for diagnosis of asthma is spirometry and one other test, such as FeNO, bronchodilator reversibility or measures of variability. With the change in the BTS/SIGN/NICE guideline, this will change in line with the guideline recommendations, with the requirement that practices perform at least one objective test that indicates asthma. In adults initially, this could be FeNO or blood eosinophils; in children, the initial test must be FeNO.

Across Europe, reimbursement policies vary widely, depending on national health guidelines. In Germany, FeNO testing is endorsed in the national asthma guidelines; however, FeNO is not reimbursed by Statutory Health Insurance (SHI) in primary care settings. In North America, Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans provide reimbursement for FeNO testing if the test is deemed medically necessary by your healthcare professional¹⁰.

Why guidelines matter:

The use of asthma diagnosis and management guidelines in the application of FeNO is essential globally, to ensure standardised, evidence-based asthma management, tailored to varying healthcare infrastructures and patient demographics. These guidelines empower healthcare professionals to make informed decisions, enhancing the accuracy of asthma diagnosis and treatment. Established guidelines fosters consistency in care, contributing to sustainable healthcare costs, reducing misdiagnosis, and ultimately improving patient outcomes. It’s worth noting that besides the countries listed in this article, numerous others also have national guidelines, including Japan, Italy, China, France, Mexico, Spain, Malaysia, Australia, and many more!

Key Takeaways

NICE, BTS, SIGN guidelines¹:

Diagnosis:

• For adults, asthma can be diagnosed if FeNO levels are ≥ 50 ppb or higher, an increase from the previous NICE guideline’s 40 ppb or higher threshold.
• For children, asthma can be diagnosed if FeNO levels are ≥ 35 ppb or higher. This has remained the same as the previous NICE guidelines.
• FeNO testing is recommended as first-line testing in asthma diagnosis for adults and children.
• If the first test is diagnostic, further diagnostic testing is not required.

Management:

• FeNO testing has been acknowledged as a tool in asthma management.
• It aids to inform healthcare professionals when changing or adjusting asthma therapy.
• Recommend FeNO use for asthma monitoring in adults.

ERS guidelines²:

Diagnosis:

• A cut-off of 40 ppb offers the best compromise between sensitivity and specificity while a cut-off of 50 ppb has a high specificity of > 90% and is therefore supportive of asthma diagnosis.
• A FeNO value < 40 ppb does not rule out asthma, and similarly, high FeNO levels themselves do not define asthma.

Management:

• Measure FeNO as part of the diagnostic work-up of adults aged 18 years with suspected asthma (conditional recommendation for the test, moderate quality of evidence).

DGP guidelines³:

Diagnosis:

• Low FeNO levels < 25 ppb (< 20 ppb in children) can be used to indicate that eosinophilic inflammation and responsiveness to corticosteroids are less likely.
• High FeNO levels > 50 ppb (> 35 ppb in children) can be used to indicate that eosinophilic inflammation and, in symptomatic patients, responsiveness to corticosteroids are likely.

Management:

• Patients with elevated FeNO levels are usually ICS-responsive. Elevated FeNO levels (especially FeNO levels > 50 ppb) during ICS therapy, despite clinical stability, argue against reducing the ICS dose.
• In children and adolescents, regularly monitored FeNO proved to be a meaningful parameter to predict asthma relapse after planned ICS discontinuation, even before the onset of clinical symptoms.

ATS guidelines^4,5:

Diagnosis:

• Low FeNO levels < 25 ppb (< 20 ppb in children) can be used to indicate that eosinophilic inflammation and responsiveness to corticosteroids are less likely.
• Intermediate FeNO values between 25 ppb and 50 ppb (20 ppb and 35 ppb in children) should be interpreted cautiously and with reference to the clinical context.
• High FeNO levels > 50 ppb (> 35 ppb in children) can be used to indicate that eosinophilic inflammation and, in symptomatic patients, responsiveness to corticosteroids are likely.

Management:

• FeNO is beneficial and should be used in addition to usual care.
• Recommend the use of FeNO in monitoring airway inflammation in patients with asthma.

GINA guidelines^7,8:

Diagnosis:

• High FeNO levels > 50 ppb in non-smokers are moderately associated with eosinophilic airway inflammation.
• FeNO levels above ≥ 20 ppb in adults with who have difficult-to-treat or severe asthma support the presence of type 2 airway inflammation.

Management:

• Measure FeNO as an adjunct to diagnostic evaluation in individuals with suspected asthma and to monitor airway inflammation.

FeNO testing with the NObreath®:

Regular FeNO measurements indicate levels of airway inflammation, which can help healthcare professionals personalise treatment plans for patients by helping titrate ICS dosing and evaluate patient adherence to treatment.

For over 48 years, Bedfont® Scientific Limited has specialised in designing and manufacturing breath analysis medical devices. Using innovative technology, we provide cutting-edge medical devices at affordable prices to improve accessibility and healthcare standards worldwide. Bedfont® manufactures the NObreath® FeNO device, a non-invasive breath testing device which can be used to measure airway inflammation for the diagnosis and management of asthma.

For more information on the NObreath® and FeNO testing, visit the NObreath® website.

References:

1. Asthma pathway (BTS, NICE, SIGN) [Internet]. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. 2024. [Cited Friday 17^th January 2025]. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng244
2. Louis R, Satia I, Ojanguren I, Schleich F, Bonini M, Tonia T, Rigau D, Ten Brinke A, Buhl R, Loukides S, Kocks JW. European Respiratory Society guidelines for the diagnosis of asthma in adults. European Respiratory Journal. 2022 Sep 1;60(3). DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01585-202.
3. Lommatzsch M, Criée CP, de Jong CC, Gappa M, Geßner C, Gerstlauer M, Hämäläinen N, Haidl P, Hamelmann E, Horak F, Idzko M. Diagnosis and treatment of asthma: a guideline for respiratory specialists 2023-published by the German Respiratory Society (DGP) e. V. Pneumologie (Stuttgart, Germany). 2023 Jul 5. DOI: 10.1055/a-2070-2135.
4. Dweik RA, Boggs PB, Erzurum SC, Irvin CG, Leigh MW, Lundberg JO, Olin AC, Plummer AL, Taylor DR, American Thoracic Society Committee on Interpretation of Exhaled Nitric Oxide Levels (FENO) for Clinical Applications. An official ATS clinical practice guideline: interpretation of exhaled nitric oxide levels (FENO) for clinical applications. American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine. 2011 Sep 1;184(5):602-15. PMCID: PMC4408724 PMID: 21885636.
5. Khatri SB, Iaccarino JM, Barochia A, Soghier I, Akuthota P, Brady A, Covar RA, Debley JS, Diamant Z, Fitzpatrick AM, Kaminsky DA. Use of fractional exhaled nitric oxide to guide the treatment of asthma: an official American Thoracic Society clinical practice guideline. American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine. 2021 Nov 15;204(10):e97-109. PMCID: PMC8759314 PMID: 34779751.
6. Zitt M, Oppenheimer J, Bernstein D, Boggs P, Dinakar C, Jain N, Katial N, Sands M, Szefler S. AAAAI/ACAAI joint statement of support of the ATS clinical practice guideline: interpretation of exhaled nitric oxide for clinical applications. 2012 [Internet]. 2014.
7. Global strategy for asthma management and prevention [Internet]. Global Initiative for Asthma. 2024. [Cited Friday 17^th January 2025]. Available from: https://ginasthma.org/2024-report/
8. Murugesan N, Saxena D, Dileep A, Adrish M, Hanania NA. Update on the role of FeNO in asthma management. Diagnostics. 2023 Apr 15;13(8):1428. DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13081428.
9. NHS England [Internet]. Quality and outcomes framework guidance for 24/25. 2024. [Cited 22^nd April 2025]. Available from https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/quality-and-outcomes-framework-guidance-for-2024-25/
10. Healthline [Internet]. What you need to know abut FeNO testing for asthma. 2024. [Cited 22^nd April 2025]. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/asthma/feno-test-asthma?c=1285499318383#takeaway

HMBT World Digestive Health Day (WDHD) is observed annually on May 29 . Established in 2004, the day commemorates the founding of the World Gastroenterology Organization (WGO) in 1958.WDHD aims to raise global awareness about the prevention, prevalence, diagnosis, management, and treatment of digestive disorders.

The theme for 2025 is Your Digestive Health: Nourish to Flourish . In this blog, we will explore the importance of digestive health, how Hydrogen-Methane Breath Testing (HMBT) can help, and why it’s an innovative tool for aiding in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders.

Why is gut health important?

The gut is responsible for breaking down and absorbing nutrients from the foods you eat. The nutrients absorbed help support the body’s functions². Poor gut health can have a significant impact on everyday life, presenting symptoms such as:

• Persistent bloating and gas³,
• Irregular bowel movements³,
• Skin issues³,
• Chronic fatigue and low energy levels³.

Maintaining good gut health has many benefits, from a stronger immune system to improved mental health².

Factors like diet, stress, medication, and infections can negatively affect digestion, leading to GI disorders such as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and carbohydrate malabsorption.

SIBO⁴

The symptoms of SIBO are very similar to those of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Carbohydrate Malabsorption⁵

Carbohydrate Malabsorption occurs when the body has difficulty digesting and absorbing certain carbohydrates in the small intestine. This leads to the fermentation of undigested carbohydrates in the colon, which can cause gas, bloating, diarrhoea, and discomfort.

The Role of HMBT in Gut Health

HMBT is a non-invasive diagnostic tool for detecting conditions like SIBO and carbohydrate malabsorption. The test works by measuring the levels of hydrogen and methane gas on exhaled breath after consuming specific sugars.

Introducing the Gastroylzer® Range

The Gastrolyzer® is a range of HMBT breath analysis devices that aid the diagnosis of various GI disorders.

How HMBT Works

It’s easy to take a HMBT. Depending on the condition being investigated, the patient consumes a test solution containing either glucose, lactulose, or lactose. Breath samples are then collected at regular intervals, and hydrogen and methane gases are measured. It is also possible to test remotely with the GastroCH₄ECK® Gastrolyzer® using breath bags.

Benefits of Using HMBT for Gut Health

Studies have found that over 40% of the world’s population experience Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGIDs)⁶. The symptoms can significantly impact a person’s life, and knowing the resources available to help is important. A HMBT can provide clarity and guide personalised treatment options. Some key benefits include:

Nourish Your Gut

Supporting a healthy gut starts with giving it the right fuel for a balanced gut microbiome. The following habits can help to promote better gut health:

• Eat more fibre⁷.
• Limit processed foods and sugars⁷.
• Stay hydrated⁷.
• Exercise⁷.
• Manage stress⁷.

Gut health is crucial to overall health. By prioritising digestion, eating a balanced diet rich in fibre, staying hydrated and managing stress, you can support your microbiome and enhance digestive function. This World Digestive Health Day, take the opportunity to listen to your gut and make choices that support a healthier you. For more information on how to take control of your digestive health, read our article ‘Taking Control of your digestive health – Importance of not self-diagnosing’ or visit gastrolyzer.com for more information on hydrogen-methane breath testing.

References

1. WDHD [Internet]. wdhd.worldgastroenterology.org. [Cited 2025 Mar 24]. Available from: https://wdhd.worldgastroenterology.org/
2. Department of Health & Human Services. Gut health [Internet]. www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au. 2023. [Cited 2025 Mar 13]. Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/gut-health
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Bedfont® Scientific Limited iCOquit® Smokerlyzer® features in award winning app to aid in smoking cessation.

WayBetter is a U.S.-based digital health company dedicated to helping people make sustainable changes in their health behaviours through gamification, social support, and financial incentives. With the previous success of the DietBet and StepBet apps, QuitBet was developed to encourage smoking cessation efforts. The trial, which had 245 participants, saw people who smoke pay $30 to participate in a 4-week game designed to promote and educate players on the benefits of quitting smoking. Participants tracked their breath carbon monoxide (CO) levels daily using Bedfont’s iCOquit® CO device.

Bedfont®, who are world leaders in breath analysis, manufactures the iCOquit® Smokerlyzer® device. This personal CO device aids in smoking cessation by allowing users to monitor their CO levels as often as needed during their quit attempt. By tracking CO levels, the iCOquit® is a visual motivational aid for people quitting smoking.

“We are incredibly proud that our iCOquit® Smokerlyzer® CO monitoring device played a role in supporting users on their quit journey,” said Jason Smith, CEO of Bedfont® Scientific Limited. “This recognition highlights the power of combining behavioural science with real-time biometric feedback to create meaningful, lasting change in people’s lives.”

Dr. Erika Bloom personally presented the results from WayBetter’s clinical trial of QuitBet, which saw 40% of the 245 participants (98 participants) quit smoking for 4 weeks and be declared winners. Winners split the total pot, so they received a refund of their $30 plus an additional $50 on average.

WayBetter has seen significant success with previous apps designed to improve people’s health and well-being, with over 1.5 million total registered paying customers in its history. WayBetter is now working toward launching QuitBet as a commercial product, fuelling the company’s mission to use technology to make health behaviour change easier, social, and more fun.

The inclusion of the iCOquit® device demonstrates how powerful CO monitoring can be, not just as a tool for behavioral change, but as a key player in shaping the future of personal health. Bedfont® intends to continue innovating and expanding the reach of its technology to help even more people make lasting, life-changing decisions.

Visit the website here for more information on the iCOquit® Smokerlyzer® device and how it is helping people worldwide give up smoking.