Ananya Ghosh
Independent Researcher
West Bengal, India
Abstract
Chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) continue to pose significant public health challenges worldwide. Although inhalers represent the cornerstone of treatment, issues such as poor adherence, improper usage techniques, and lack of real-time monitoring compromise their effectiveness. This manuscript explores the development and integration of smart inhaler systems enhanced by artificial intelligence (AI) to address these limitations. Smart inhalers are designed with embedded sensors and connectivity modules that capture inhalation patterns, dosage timings, and environmental triggers. AI algorithms are subsequently applied to interpret this data, detect anomalies, and provide personalized recommendations. This research aims to provide a comprehensive overview of how smart inhalers can revolutionize respiratory disease management by improving medication adherence, enabling early detection of exacerbations, and facilitating data-driven interventions. Through a synthesis of existing technologies, implementation methodologies, and early trial results, the study underscores the transformative potential of AI-driven inhaler solutions in augmenting patient outcomes and streamlining clinical workflows.
Keywords
Smart inhalers, AI in healthcare, respiratory disease, asthma management, COPD monitoring
References
- Chan, A. H. Y., Reddel, H. K., Apter, A., Eakin, M., Riekert, K., & Foster, J. M. (2013). Adherence monitoring and e-health: How clinicians and researchers can use technology to promote inhaler adherence for asthma. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice, 1(5), 446–454. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaip.2013.06.015
- Merchant, R. K., Inamdar, R., & Quade, R. C. (2016). Effectiveness of population health management using the Propeller Health asthma platform: A retrospective analysis. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice, 4(3), 455–463. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaip.2015.11.002
- Foster, J. M., Usherwood, T., Smith, L., Sawyer, S. M., Xuan, W., Rand, C. S., & Reddel, H. K. (2014). Inhaler reminders improve adherence with controller treatment in primary care patients with asthma. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 134(6), 1260–1268. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2014.05.041
- Bender, B. G., Cvietusa, P. J., Goodrich, G. K., Lowe, R., Nuanes, H. A., Rand, C., & Shetterly, S. (2010). Pragmatic trial of health care technologies to improve adherence to pediatric asthma treatment: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Asthma, 47(8), 882–887. https://doi.org/10.3109/02770903.2010.489388
- Mosnaim, G., Li, H., Martin, M., Richardson, D., Belice, P. J., Avery, E., & Powell, L. H. (2015). A tailored mobile health intervention to improve adherence and asthma control in minority adolescents. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice, 3(2), 288–290. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaip.2014.10.018
- Charles, T., Quinn, D., Weatherall, M., Aldington, S., Beasley, R., & Pilcher, J. (2007). An audiovisual reminder function improves adherence with inhaled corticosteroid therapy in asthma. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 119(4), 811–816. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2006.12.632
- Patel, M., Pilcher, J., Hancox, R. J., Sheahan, D., Pritchard, A., Braithwaite, I., & Beasley, R. (2013). The use of mobile electronic devices to record medication adherence and disease control in asthma: Interview study. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 15(7), e132. https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.2441
- Tran, N., Coffman, J. M., Sumino, K., Cabana, M. D., & Sitar, S. (2014). Patient preference and potential impact of eHealth tools for asthma self-management. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 113(5), 513–518. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anai.2014.08.007
- Apter, A. J., Wang, X., Bogen, D. K., Bennett, I. M., Jennings, R. M., Garcia, L., & George, M. (2013). Linking electronic health records to phone-based interventions to improve asthma medication use: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice, 1(5), 455–461. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaip.2013.06.007
- van der Meer, V., Bakker, M. J., van den Hout, W. B., Rabe, K. F., Sterk, P. J., & Assendelft, W. J. J. (2009). Internet-based self-management plus education compared with usual care in asthma: A randomized trial. Annals of Internal Medicine, 151(2), 110–120. https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-151-2-200907210-00141