GPS sensor monitors inhaler use to bring asthma under control

Asthma is something that many sufferers have simply learned to accept. However, monitoring when and where an inhaler is used can help inform prescriptions and bring the condition under a greater degree of control. In order to make such tracking possible, Asthmapolis have created the Spiroscout. In Asthmapolis’s own words, “as few as a quarter of patients have good control [of their asthma]. Unfortunately, physicians have few tools to identify those patients who need more help controlling the disease before they suffer a severe and costly exacerbation.” The first Spiroscout GPS sensor was tested by Asthmapolis in 2009 to track when and where inhalations were taken. In 2010, the sensor was slimmed down to make it a realistic possibility for use outside of experiments, with the ability to be attached to most common inhalers. By tracking inhaler use, physicians can make more informed decisions when prescribing medication, resulting from a better understanding of what induces asthma attacks for the individual patient in question. It also means that it will become possible for patients to predict when attacks may occur, with Asthmapolis also offering texts to remind patients when they have forgotten to use controller medication. Additionally, sufferers can view the data generated by the sensor as maps, tables and charts on their mobile phone. A video demonstrating the Spiroscout can be viewed here. Asthmaplois is currently recruiting volunteers to help test the sensors. Those of you in healthcare industries: is this one to back and trial in your area? (Related: Emails warn patients about health-changing weather.) Spotted by: Florent Lesauvage