Health and Age reports that an artificial nose (known as the Cyranose) has successfully been used to diagnose tuberculosis and lung cancer, based on the volatile gas patterns in expired breath from patients. A recent pilot study suggests that the Cyranose may one day be used to help diagnose asthma as well. The Cyranose could become an important component of asthma treatment because asthma can be difficult to diagnose. Some people have asthma for years before they are diagnosed.