The adherence to the allergic rhinitis symptom diary application in young asthmatics

<bold>Introduction:</bold> Birch pollen is a major airborne and inhaled allergen in Finland, posing a challenge to patients with allergic rhinitis or allergic asthma. <bold>Aim:</bold> The aim of the study was to monitor real-world asthma and allergic rhinitis symptoms in young asthmatics during the birch pollen season. <bold>Methods:</bold> 50 asthmatic patients aged 7-17 years (58% boys) were invited participate in the study. The study subjects utilized KAMU Asthma symptom diary mobile application for 26 days during the 2022 birch pollen season (Pfaar O et al. Allergy 2017; 72:713-722). Among the participants, 16 had birch specific IgE levels <0.35 kU/l, 15 ≥0.35-<17.5 kU/l and 17 ≥17.5 kU/l. Birch pollen levels were recorded and a microspirometer integrated with the application was used to measure forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1). <bold>Results:</bold> Patients with higher birch specific IgE levels exhibited better adherence to the symptom diary application compared to mildly and non-sensitized patients (Spearman’s correlation 0.402, p=0.005). Median adherence was 54%, 92%, 92% in non-, mildly and highly sensitized groups, and a significant difference was found between mildly or highly and non-birch sensitized patients, p=0.009 and 0.011. Adherence to the symptom diary application remained high both at individual and group level through the birch pollen season. Seventy-three percent (73%) of the patients reported significant benefits in self-management while using the application. <bold>Conclusion:</bold> The symptom diary application facilitates telemonitoring of symptoms and lung function, supporting asthma and allergic rhinitis management at home in this study group, irrespective of the level of birch IgE sensitization.