Breath Test Helps Diagnose Certain Illnesses

Most people think of a breath test as something police officers use on drunk drivers. But this type of test could actually help doctors diagnose medical conditions. Dr. Dean Edell takes us into a breath research lab to see how scientists use one's breath as a way to see what's happening in the body.

Today, Frank is a guinea pig of sorts. He undergoes a battery of tests on his breath.

Frank Styles, breath lab volunteer: "I'm always willing to do anything that's hopefully going to improve life for all of us."

This test measures the airway resistance in his lungs.

But that is just the beginning. Doctors are now starting to use breath tests much like blood tests to diagnose disease. So next they are going to intentionally subject our brave volunteer Frank to a capsaicin, or chili pepper, challenge.

Andrew Sams, D.O., pulmonologist: "Capsaicin is actually the ingredient in chili peppers that gives them their heat."

Researchers track how much of it causes Frank to cough and how many times.

A third test captures breath into a below-freezing tube.

Stuart Brooks, M.D., environmental lung specialist: "It's like breathing during a cold day on a window pane, and you can see your breath condensate."

Tests can then be done on the liquid that's collected. Dr. Stuart Brooks is the leader in this lab. He says the goal is to find out what's happening in your lungs without discomfort for the patient.

Stuart Brooks, M.D., environmental lung specialist: "I think they have a lot of promise both in diagnosis, in treatment and response to treatment. And hopefully, at some point in the future, this will be in the practicing physician's office."

For instance, this test measures the nitric oxide levels in the breath.

Thomas Truncale, D.O., pulmonologist: "If a patient comes into your office without symptoms and you measure nitric oxide, it could predict an inflammatory reaction or down the road an asthma exacerbation a week or so before the patient has symptoms."

So don't be surprised if one day your doctor's visit includes a breath test like this.

This breath lab is one of seven in the country. Researchers at this lab are studying the differences between young and old people. Specifically, they are looking at why older people are more susceptible to lung disorders. Breath tests could help determine response to treatment for asthma, cystic fibrosis, emphysema and chronic bronchitis. They also could help diagnose asthma.

Read Full Story