The way that people deal with ailments such as asthma has changed several times in the past few centuries, first with the invention of inhalers, followed by the innovation which is metered-dose inhalers, now with gadgets which monitor breath in different ways.
Being an asthmatic means being vigilant, and with these advancements in healthcare technology it’s easier for yourself or your children to remember to use them, as well as monitor the respiratory system frequently.
MySpiroo
The latest innovation in peak flow meters, MySpiroo helps to measure the maximum rate of air flow out of your lungs during exhalation. This can be useful in seeing how you’re doing, and can even give a fair indication of whether you’re close to having an asthma attack.
The device works by plugging it into a smartphone through a headphone jack, and records all the data automatically, compiling the information into easily readable charts. It also comes with a geolocation function which can warn you of areas with a lot of pollen or areas where air pollution may cause an attack.
AirSonea
This device has an entirely different way of tracking your asthma levels. As opposed to the typical peak flow meters, the AirSonea is a wheeze detector which records the airway sounds, and works by holding it against your windpipe for thirty seconds. This is a revolutionary device and a first of its kind, although the results it gives can be more specific than the typical ways of measuring, even through the MySpiroo.
It has been regarded by multiple healthcare technology review websites, and is preferred by parents of young children who struggle with peak flow meters. It also uses Bluetooth to send the information to a linked phone, and gives a “WheezeRATE” where the device’s internal algorithms can determine the cause of the wheezing.
GeckoCaps
Another device which is ideal for parents of kids with asthma, GeckoCaps are a small device which fits on top of the metal canister part of the inhaler.
It works as an inhaler tracker which records when it’s used and sends that information to either a computer or a smartphone, and also lights up green when it’s time to be used. This has been a lifesaver for parents who are unsure as to whether or not their kid has been using their inhaler, and can teach kids from a young age to use them regularly.
ADAMM
The abbreviation stands for “Automated Device for Asthma Monitoring and Management”, and this gadget is the only wearable in this review. It has numerous in-built sensors which first organize a baseline by monitoring daily activity, then send notifications when there’s any deviation from it.
The ADAMM is perhaps more relevant to those with severe asthma, and when combined with several inhalers can ensure that one stays several steps ahead of the asthma attacks which prove dangerous. All the data is compiled and sent to a linked smartphone or personal computer, and can easily be shared with family or health professionals.