New app helps improve treatment for asthma patients
NEW app that can be downloaded to one’s smartphone now aims to help doctors educate asthma patients on proper inhaler techniques, providing guidance to asthma sufferers on how to use their medication more effectively.
Developed by Mundipharma, the asthma inhaler app called Breatherite is an innovative approach that makes use of technology combined together with education in the interest of proper patient care.
The Philippine College of Chest Physicians (PCCP) is supportive of Mundipharma Philippines’ digital initiatives, which was formalized in a signing during the 37th Annual Chest Convention of the PCCP held recently at the EDSA Shangri-La hotel.
“As a teacher of 30 years, this is something we only dreamt of. I’ve always wanted to see if there could be a visualization of the actual airways down to its lowest points. This instrument can revolutionize how we educate patients in the community,” said outgoing PCCP President Charles Yu.
According to a study conducted by the Global Initiative for Asthma, up to 70 to 80 percent of asthma patients are unable to use their inhalers correctly, leading to poor asthma control and increased risk of exacerbation and adverse effects.
Breatherite projects a visual exploration of the various areas of the lungs using augmented reality, helping physicians guide their patients through an in-depth understanding of their lung disease.
It also has a face tracking assessment tool to test a patient’s inhaler technique and various lifestyle advisories for enhancing user’s well being.