Journal of breath research
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Exhaled breath contains thousands of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of which the composition varies depending on health status. Various metabolic processes within the body produce volatile products that are released into the blood and will be passed on to the airway once the blood reaches the lungs. Moreover, the occurrence of chronic inflammation and/or oxidative stress can result in the excretion of volatile compounds that generate unique VOC patterns. ⋯ Exhaled air analysis can, however, also be applied as an analytical or monitoring tool. Within the analytic perspective, the use of VOCs as biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation or carcinogenesis is described. As monitoring tool, breathomics can be applied to elucidate the heterogeneity observed in chronic diseases, to study the pathogen(s) responsible for occurring infections and to monitor treatment efficacy.