INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Increased levels of nitric oxide are associated with swelling in the airways, so a pulmonary specialist may test your exhaled nitric oxide levels to check for asthma when other routine tests are not providing answers. Tell your doctor about any breathing difficulties you are having. Ask about the exhaled nitric oxide test, as it may not be available in all doctor's offices or hospitals.  Your doctor will usually make a separate appointment for your test so you can prepare for it. This test may be ordered if you have already been diagnosed with asthma if your doctor is testing your treatment progress or considering a new line of treatment. There are many things that can affect nitric oxide levels in your body, even in small doses. Alcohol and tobacco should be avoided for a full 24 hours before your test. Inform your doctor if you are a regular smoker. Long-term drinking habits can affect your nitric oxide levels significantly, so tell your doctor if you drink more than 1 drink a day, or drink more than 4-5 drinks a day at least once a month. While cardiovascular exercise is excellent for your health, it should be avoided for a full day before your test. Aerobic activity increases the levels of nitric oxide in your body, which may skew the results of your test. Skip any type of workout, including:  Jogging or running Bicycling Jumping rope Rollerblading Dancing Speed walking Allergy shots work by introducing allergens into your system to help it build a resistance to them. As a result, an allergy vaccination may affect your nitric oxide levels for 24-48 hours after it is administered. To ensure accurate results, avoid scheduling an allergy shot within 1-2 days of your nitric oxide test. Consuming food or beverages right before your test can affect the levels of nitric oxide being released. Plan ahead so you can go at least an hour without eating or drinking anything prior to your test appointment. This includes drinking water, which can also skew test results. Nitric oxide levels in the body may be affected by other health issues and treatments. Disclose any prescription or over-the-counter medications that you are taking. If you are sick with the flu, allergies, or another ailment, tell your doctor to rule out any other causes of your symptoms. Share the results of any other breathing tests you have undergone in the past. The exhaled nitric oxide test will last about 5 minutes. Allow the technician helping you to put clips on your nose and a mouthpiece in your mouth when you are ready to start the test. Inhale and exhale slowly until the technician or doctor tells you to stop.  You may have to repeat the test a few times to confirm the results. The amount of nitric oxide exhaled into the mouthpiece will be recorded for your test results.

SUMMARY: Speak to your doctor about your breathing problems. Avoid alcohol and tobacco for 24 hours prior to your test. Avoid aerobic exercise for 24 hours before your test. Do not get an allergy shot on the day before your test. Don't eat or drink within an hour of your test. Disclose any medications conditions that may affect your results. Follow the technician's instructions for breathing during the test.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Snap open each fava bean pod and pop the individual beans out of the shell.  Locate the string/stem side of the pod. Snap the tip, peeling the string away in the process. Continue peeling away the string down the length of the pod until you reach the very end, then use your fingers to pry open the pod along the newly exposed seam. Pluck the individual beans out of the pod using your fingers. Most mature pods will contain four to eight beans. Bring 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water to a boil in a small saucepan, then place a steamer basket over the top of the pan.  Ideally, the steamer basket should be wide enough to fit the beans in a single layer. Make sure that the boiling water does not touch the bottom of the steamer basket. Only the steam should be allowed to reach the basket. Toss the beans into the basket. Cover the steamer and gently cook the beans for 30 to 60 seconds, or until the outer coating of each bean starts to shrivel. Once the coating shrivels, you should remove the basket of beans from the steamer and allow them to cool for several minutes, just until they are cool enough to handle with your bare hands. Peel away the shriveled skin from each fava bean.  Carefully pinch the end of each bean, grabbing the skin without grabbing the bean itself. The inner bean should pop out when you do this. Keep the inner beans and discard the waxy coatings. Return the beans to the steamer basket, and return the steamer basket to your saucepan of boiling water. Cover and continue steaming until the beans are tender. The exact amount of time will depend on how large the individual beans are. Check the beans for doneness every 5 minutes or so. Even with large beans, the process should not take longer than 15 minutes. Transfer the cooked beans to a serving bowl. Toss with melted butter (or olive oil), salt, and black pepper. Enjoy the beans while they're still hot.

SUMMARY:
Remove the outer shell. Set up the steamer. Steam the beans for 30 to 60 seconds. Remove the outer coating. Steam the beans for another 10 to 15 minutes. Season and serve.