RELATED: What Is Asthma? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention Some research suggests that tech can help when it comes to improving outcomes. One study that looked at a specific mobile app that offers asthma coaching found that regular use helped improve asthma control and increase FEV1 scores by roughly 7.9 percent after four months, according to a study published in the July–August 2016 issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice. (The FEV1 test measures lung function; a lower score signals breathing problems, according to Mayo Clinic.) A recent review of research that’s been done on the topic concludes, however, that to-date studies on asthma apps are promising, but the trials themselves are small, and we need more research to determine if the benefits of these small studies apply to bigger, more diverse groups of people. That review was published in the November 2018 issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. RELATED: A Guide to Asthma Treatment and How to Use an Inhaler Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about how to integrate technology into your treatment plan. Here are a few new asthma tools and gadgets to check out.
Propeller Digital Sensor
RELATED: Can Thunderstorms Trigger Asthma Attacks? The app sends monthly reports that include how well your condition is being controlled (such as well-, not well-, or poorly-controlled), your medication adherence, a graph of your rescue medication usage over the previous 30 days, trends in rescue and controller medication usage (including time of day and day of week), trends around your most common triggers and symptoms, and your most recent Asthma Control Test score. You can even share the information with your doctor at your next visit, so you can develop a better treatment plan. According to company findings, Propeller users are consistently able to reduce their rescue inhaler use. The cost of Propeller is sponsored through partnerships with pharmaceutical companies, pharmacy benefit managers, providers, and health systems, so patients don’t have to pay for it themselves. Answer a few questions about your medications online to find out if there’s a sponsor for you. Learn more at PropellerHealth.com; free if you qualify.
Aluna Spirometer
Parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers can download current or cumulative results from a child’s spirometry test (or sign up for real-time alerts about a child’s test result). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently reviewing the device for clearance. Learn more at Aluna.io; scheduled to be available in March online only ($99 for the spirometer and $15 per month for the app after a three-month free trial). Learn more at KagenAir.com; available free on iOS and Android.
Respiri Wholter
Learn more at Respiri.co; not yet available for sale.
AsthmaMD Peak Flow Meter and Tracking App
Learn more at AsthmaMD.org; $14.75 per meter and free app, available for iOS and Android.
