Simple Test at Medical Specialists Can Help Treat Asthma, Improving Healthcare in Indiana

MUNSTER, IN, November 24, 2010 (Press-News.org) According to a recent article published in the American Journal of Respiratory Care and Critical Medicine, the accuracy of diagnosing asthma when using the exhaled nitric oxide measurement is significantly greater than other assessment methods. Dr. Elliot Stokar, a board-certified Pulmonary Medicine Specialist in Indiana at Medical Specialists Centers of Indiana (http://www.medspecindiana.com) indicated that screening individuals with an exhaled nitric oxide test is an effective means to diagnose asthma.

"This assessment can help us to tailor treatment and dosing of medications, particularly in patients with chronic disease," says Dr. Stokar. "It's a simple, quick test. A patient sits comfortably without nose clips and exhales at a steady level for 4-6 seconds. The test is repeated three times to ensure accuracy. Inflammation of the airways is indicated if high levels of nitric oxide are measured while exhaling. If high levels of nitric oxide are present, then the patient's asthma is not well controlled."

This information allows providers to determine an effective treatment plan. The test also helps physicians monitor patient compliance and may predict exacerbations. Overall, exhaled nitric oxide testing is a proven, accepted, non-invasive, means to detect airway inflammation. It is easily administered to both children and adults. Dr. Stokar indicates that the exhaled nitric oxide test will someday become as common as pulmonary function testing and chest x-rays as part of the pulmonary specialists standard respiratory evaluation.

"As a provider with Medical Specialists of Indiana Department of Pulmonary Medicine," says Dr. Stokar, "I focus on providing inpatient and outpatient diagnosis, consultation, evaluation and treatment for a wide range of lung conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and lung cancer. Together with the rest of the Indiana physicians and surgeons at Medical Specialists, I am committed to full-service care, including prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and education."

Medical Specialists Department of Pulmonary Medicine is part of the Medical Specialists Centers of Indiana (http://www.medspecindiana.com) family of physicians and surgeons. This unique health care organization is comprised of highly trained primary care and speciality care physicians and surgeons whose sense of compassion is as highly regarded as their expertise. Providing the highest quality healthcare to residents of Northwest Indiana since 1978, Medical Specialists Centers of Indiana strives to bring university level medical care to the community setting. No matter where you live in Northwest Indiana, there's a Medical Specialist provider nearby. Call Medical Specialists Centers of Indiana at 219-934-0900 or contact them at www.medspecindiana.com for more information.