E-Nose based Analysis of Exhaled VOCs Spectrum Reveals Asthmatic Shifts and Consistency in Controls Post-Exercise and Spirometry

<bold>Background:</bold> Analyzing exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with an electronic nose (e-nose) is emerging in medical diagnostics as a non-invasive, quick, and sensitive method for disease detection and monitoring. This study investigates if activities like spirometry or physical exercise affect exhaled VOCs measurements in asthmatics and healthy individuals, a crucial step for e-nose technology's validation for clinical use. <bold>Methods:</bold> The study analyzed exhaled VOCs using an e-nose in 27 healthy individuals and 27 patients with stable asthma, before and after performing spirometry and climbing five flights of stairs. Breath samples were collected using a validated technique and analyzed with a Cyranose 320 e-nose. <bold>Results:</bold> In healthy controls, the exhaled VOCs spectrum remained unchanged after both lung function and exercise. In asthmatics, significant differences were noted post-spirometry (66.7% Cross Validated Accuracy [CVA], p<0.05) and exercise (70.4% CVA, p<0.05). <bold>Conclusions:</bold> E-nose measurements in healthy individuals are consistent, unaffected by spirometry or physical exercise. However, in asthma patients, significant changes in exhaled VOCs were detected post-activities, indicating airway responses likely due to constriction or inflammation, underscoring the e-nose's potential for respiratory condition diagnosis and monitoring.