Viability of a new home program of forced spirometry with bronchodilator response measurement in the assessment of patients with asthma

Héctor Cabrerizo Carreño; Cristina Bellver Asperilla; Ana Maria Romero-Ortiz; Salud Santos; Samantha Aso-González; Jaume Bordas-Martinez; Nuria Fabrellas; Eva Maria Guix-Comellas; Guillermo Suarez-Cuartin; Mariana Muñoz-Esquerre

doi:10.5826/mrm.2025.1024

Viability of a new home program of forced spirometry with bronchodilator response measurement in the assessment of patients with asthma

Authors

Héctor Cabrerizo Carreño Department of Respiratory Medicine, Bellvitge University Hospital - IDIBELL, Universitat de Barcelona, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain. https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7864-3797
Cristina Bellver Asperilla Department of Respiratory Medicine, Bellvitge University Hospital - IDIBELL, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
Ana Maria Romero-Ortiz Department of Respiratory Medicine, Bellvitge University Hospital - L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
Salud Santos Department of Respiratory Medicine, Bellvitge University Hospital - IDIBELL, Universitat de Barcelona, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
Samantha Aso-González Department of Respiratory Medicine, Bellvitge University Hospital - IDIBELL, Universitat de Barcelona, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
Jaume Bordas-Martinez Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital General de Granollers, Granollers, Barcelona, Spain. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4027-8907
Nuria Fabrellas University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Eva Maria Guix-Comellas University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Guillermo Suarez-Cuartin Department of Respiratory Medicine, Bellvitge University Hospital - IDIBELL, Universitat de Barcelona, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
Mariana Muñoz-Esquerre Department of Respiratory Medicine, Bellvitge University Hospital - IDIBELL, Universitat de Barcelona, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6747-7116

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5826/mrm.2025.1024

Keywords:

Home spirometry, Asthma, Bronchodilatador response, Pulmonary function, Telemedicine

Abstract

Background: Home spirometry using portable devices offers a potential alternative for asthma management by reducing hospital dependence and improving accessibility. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of a home spirometry program with bronchodilator response (BDR) testing performed without direct medical supervision.
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted with 47 asthma patients from a tertiary hospital. Participants received clear instructions and performed forced spirometry with BDR testing at home using a portable device. The primary outcomes included spirometry quality, variability compared to hospital tests, and patient satisfaction.
Results: A total of 78% of participants achieved high-quality spirometry (A or B, according to ATS/ERS criteria), despite greater variability in forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) compared to hospital tests. However, the results remained clinically acceptable. Patients reported high satisfaction with the device, highlighting its ease of use and convenience.
Conclusions: Home spirometry with BDR testing is a feasible tool for asthma follow-up, maintaining acceptable quality while reducing hospital-based testing. Although improvements are needed to minimize variability and enhance consistency, this program has the potential to optimize asthma management, increase accessibility, and reduce the burden on healthcare facilities.

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