Smart Inhalers Could Prevent Death Due to Asthma; How Does This Device Work?

Novel smart inhalers may potentially reduce asthma hospitalizations and deaths.

These devices are undergoing trials in Leicester in a study that examines its benefits. The study is being led by Dr. Erol Gaillard.

Hailie Smart Inhaler Device For Asthma

The device, dubbed Hailie Smart Inhaler, monitors the technique and use of preventive steroid inhalers. The data is then sent into an app in a smartphone.

Such data can then be used by doctors to check a patient's frequency of using their inhalers.

The device attaches to a typical inhaler and providers audible reminders for using the inhaler. It also provides feedback to the family and child through the smartphone app.

According to Dr. Gaillard, the study is on track to look for 300 children who are five to 16 years of age to undergo trials on the device by the end of the year.

One of the users, 10-year-old Norah from Western Park in Leicester, shared that she has been feeling less breathless since she started using the smart inhaler last February.

According to Dr. Gaillard, several people forget to regularly take their asthma medication. This is a serious problem as it could mean that the condition is not controlled anymore.

For doctors when patients visit, and their asthma is not controlled, doctors may not know if their prescribed medication is not enough or if the patient may forget to take their medications.

Dr. Gaillard thinks that if the technology could be improved and released across the NHS, it may significantly affect asthma control, attacks, and even deaths.

He also added that deaths are typically caused by not taking the preventive steroid medication and overusing the blue rescue inhaler. Hence, if the correct use of the correct medication can be monitored, this could possibly prevent asthma hospitalizations and deaths.

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Asthma

Asthma is a condition that involves the narrowing and swelling of the airway. It may also lead to the production of extra mucus.

The condition could result in breathing difficulties. It may also trigger wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

Some people find asthma to be a minor nuisance. However, for others, it could seriously interfere with their regular activities. The condition could also trigger an attack that could be life-threatening.

Symptoms of asthma may vary for different people. It is possible for a person to have rare asthma attacks, only exhibit symptoms at certain times, or exhibit symptoms all the time.

Signs and symptoms of the condition include chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, wheezing upon exhale, sleeping difficulties due to coughing or shortness of breath, or wheezing or coughing attacks that worsen with respiratory viruses.

Asthma could become worse if the symptoms become more troublesome, frequent breathing difficulties increase, and people with asthma need to use their quick-relief inhaler more frequently.

Though the condition cannot be cured, its symptoms can still be managed. Since the condition changes as time passes, it is important for the signs and symptoms to be monitored and tracked with a doctor.