Kettering Registered Respiratory Practice Exam

Corticosteroids are known to reduce inflammation in the airways, which plays a significant role in various respiratory conditions, including cystic fibrosis. Patients with cystic fibrosis typically experience airway inflammation due to thick, sticky mucus that can lead to chronic infections and inflammation. Nitric oxide is often produced as a response to inflammation, so when corticosteroids are administered, the reduction in airway inflammation can lead to decreased levels of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). This is beneficial because high levels of FeNO can indicate ongoing airway inflammation, which corticosteroids aim to mitigate.

In contrast, other treatments listed may not have the same effect on FeNO levels. Vest therapy primarily focuses on improving mucus clearance and does not directly target inflammation, so it may not influence nitric oxide levels significantly. Short-acting beta-agonists (SABA), although effective in providing bronchodilation, do not have a significant impact on airway inflammation in cystic fibrosis. Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) aids in breaking down the thick mucus, improving lung function, but it does not directly reduce inflammation either. Therefore, the administration of corticosteroids is most strongly associated with lowering exhaled nitric oxide levels.