Table 2 Study variables

Asthma Control Test (ACT)

ACT is a 5-item questionnaire that assesses the level of control of asthma symptoms during the previous 4 weeks [19].

CG at each visit (v1, v2, v3)

IG once a month (using the ESTOI app) and at each visit of the study (V1, V2, V3)

Test of the Adherence to Inhalers (TAI)

TAI is a 12-item questionnaire that assesses adherence to inhalers for patients with Asthma or COPD [20].

CG at each visit (v1, v2, v3)

IG once a month (using the ESTOI app) and at each visit of the study (V1, V2, V3)

Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ)

AQLQ is a 32-item questionnaire that assesses the quality of life of patients with asthma. Covers 4 dimensions (breathlessness, mood, social limitation and worrying) [21].

Both groups (IG and CG) at each visit (V1, V2, V3)

The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)

HADS is a questionnaire for detecting affective disorders in hospital settings with outpatients.

Is frequently used to evaluate populations with chronic diseases [22].

Both groups (IG and CG) at each visit (V1, V2, V3)

Blood eosinophil count

Eosinophils are actively involved in diseases caused by parasites and in allergic reactions. In the case of asthma, having eosinophils in range is usually an indicator of good control [4].

Both groups (IG and CG) at V1 and V3

Immunoglobulin E (IgE)

IgE is an antibody involved in airway inflammation and allergic reactions. It plays an essential role in modulating severity as a direct association between IgE concentrations and increased disease severity, bronchial hyperresponsiveness and reduced lung performance [4].

Both groups (IG and CG) at V1 and V3

Exacerbation

In asthma an exacerbation is considered a worsening of asthma symptoms that requires medical intervention and has at least 1 of the following 3 elements listed below for at least 2 consecutive days: Worsening of asthma signs/symptoms (dyspnea, wheezing, nocturnal awakenings, or chest tightness), increased use of rescue medication or deterioration of lung function [1].

CG at each visit (v1, v2, v3)

IG once a month (using the ESTOI app) and at each visit of the study (V1, V2, V3)

Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF)

PEF is the highest airflow achieved in a forced expiration after an also forced inspiration, measured using a Peak Flow Meter. It is used as a predictor of airway obstruction [23].

Both groups (IG and CG) once a week (using the ESTOI app in case of IG) and at each visit of the study (V1, V2, V3)

Forced vital capacity (FVC)

FVC is the total volume of air that can be exhaled during a maximum effort of forced expiration without a time limit [24].

Both groups (IG and CG) at each visit (V1, V2, V3)

Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)

FEV1 is the volume of air exhaled in the first second under force after a maximal inhalation [24].

Both groups (IG and CG) at each visit (V1, V2, V3)

Bronchodilator Responsiveness (BDR)

BDR determines the degree of airflow improvement after the administration of a Beta-2 adrenergic agonist. The test is considered positive when there is an increase from baseline values of FEV1 by at least 12% and 200 mL [24].

Both groups (IG and CG) at each visit (V1, V2, V3)

Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO)

FeNO is a useful and noninvasive biomarker for eosinophilic airway inflammation, particularly in asthma [25].

Both groups (IG and CG) at each visit (V1, V2, V3)