Breath of hope: How technology is transforming lung health

These conditions are exacerbated by soaring pollution levels, inadequate treatment adherence, and often delayed diagnoses.

The toll is staggering—approximately 1.67 million deaths annually can be attributed to air pollution (Lancet, 2021). Traditional healthcare methods struggle under the weight of misdiagnosis rates as high as 30% for asthma and 20% for COPD (Indian Chest Society, 2022).

But there is hope on the horizon. Emerging technologies in the healthcare space are making it possible to manage and even detect respiratory diseases more efficiently, transforming the way we approach lung healthcare.

One of the most exciting innovations is the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in diagnosing respiratory conditions, such as asthma and COPD. AI-driven applications like Swassa are capable of analysing cough patterns to detect these diseases.

By assessing parameters such as cough intensity, frequency, and sound, these tools provide a non-invasive, user-friendly method for early detection. This not only empowers patients with timely information but also enables healthcare providers to intervene before conditions worsen.

Also Read: CMC Vellore study finds high rate of lung damage in Indians 

Impact of early detection

The impact of such early detection is profound. Studies show that timely intervention can reduce emergency visits by up to 25 percent, alleviating the burden on hospitals and improving patient outcomes (Swassa AI Whitepaper, 2022).

These tools are particularly valuable in rural areas of India, where access to pulmonologists is limited. With a ratio of just 1 pulmonologist for every 100,000 patients (Indian Medical Council, 2021), AI-powered diagnostics are critical in bridging this healthcare gap.

In another major development, home-based devices like the MIR Spirometer and AlveoAir are revolutionising lung health monitoring. Clinically-graded and USFDA-accredited these compact portable devices allow patients to track important lung function indicators, such as FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume), FVC (Forced Vital Capacity), and PEF (Peak Expiratory Flow), without the need to visit a clinic.

By connecting to mobile apps, these devices provide continuous, reliable insights, ensuring better disease management. These home devices are priced affordably, typically ranging from ₹8,000 to ₹10,000, making them accessible to a broader segment of the population.

The use of these devices has been shown to reduce disease progression by up to 30%, allowing for timely medical interventions and more personalized treatment plans (Indian Journal of Respiratory Medicine, 2021).

The next frontier in respiratory health management lies in the emerging field of breath biomarkers. Platforms like Respyr are analyzing biomarkers present in exhaled air to detect early signs of inflammation, infection, or lung deterioration.

This technique offers the potential to diagnose respiratory conditions far earlier than traditional diagnostic methods.

By identifying biomarkers linked to conditions such as asthma or COPD, these platforms can significantly reduce misdiagnosis rates and streamline treatment options. With the ability to detect lung disease before symptoms fully manifest, this technology is poised to revolutionize chronic disease management and improve patient outcomes in a more cost-effective manner

Importance of inhalers 

Despite the availability of effective treatments like inhalers, patient adherence remains a critical challenge.

Studies have shown that only 60 percent of asthma patients use their inhalers as prescribed (National Asthma Survey, 2020), with many either forgetting to use them or using them incorrectly.

To address this, IoT-enabled smart inhalers are being developed, such as Alunacare, which monitors medication usage, remind patients to take their doses, and log effectiveness metrics in real-time.

These smart devices improve medication adherence by 35 percent, which has been shown to reduce hospitalizations and uncontrolled symptoms (IoT Respiratory Innovations Report, 2022).

By integrating these smart devices with health apps, patients receive constant feedback on their respiratory health, enhancing their overall treatment experience.

For patients with asthma or COPD, physical activity plays an essential role in improving lung capacity. However, fear of triggering symptoms often prevents them from engaging in regular exercise.

Devices like AlveoAir address this by using gamification to transform respiratory muscle training into an engaging, rewarding experience. Through interactive exercises, patients are motivated to improve their lung health without the anxiety of symptom flare-ups.

Also Read: Study finds link between low Vitamin K level and poor lung function

Environmental factors

Additionally, environmental factors like air quality have a profound impact on respiratory health.

Apps that integrate real-time pollution data with health monitoring provide patients with actionable insights, helping them adjust their routines to minimise exposure to harmful pollutants.

For example, receiving a high-pollution alert combined with a medication reminder can reduce symptom flare-ups by 15-20 percent (Environmental Health Study, 2022), providing patients with a more comprehensive approach to managing their condition.

India’s respiratory health crisis demands immediate attention. With millions affected by asthma, COPD, and other lung diseases, the integration of advanced technologies is no longer a luxury but a necessity.

Tools such as AI-powered diagnostics, IoT-enabled inhalers, home-based pulmonary testing, and breath biomarkers offer unprecedented opportunities to improve early detection, monitoring, and treatment adherence.

As we continue to innovate in these areas, it is essential to prioritize lung health alongside other chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. By leveraging the potential of technology, we can transform respiratory care into a model for how tech-driven solutions can save lives, reduce healthcare costs, and improve overall quality of life.

The future of lung health is here. With the right innovations, every breath can be a healthier one.

(Dr. Bhavan Bhavsar is Digital Health Strategist, Innovative Healthcare and Lead – Innovation & Market Access, Tatvacare. Edited by Majnu Babu).