Skip to content
Over 330 million people worldwide suffer from asthma, with children particularly vulnerable. This prevalent childhood chronic disease affects 10% to 12% of children, posing a significant threat to their health. In a joint study, Polish and Belgian scientists tested an artificial intelligence (AI) powered stethoscope for remote monitoring of asthma exacerbations in both adults and children.
The Challenge
Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the respiratory pathways, manifesting with respiratory symptoms such as coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Exacerbations involve a worsening of lung function and symptoms compared to the patient’s usual state, potentially leading to periodic hospitalization and the need for urgent care. Early diagnosis is crucial.
While certain tests for monitoring asthma exacerbations are available for home use, such as lung function tests measuring maximum exhalation volume, these tests are not suitable for children under the age of five.
Research Overview
StethoMe is a home-based stethoscope leveraging artificial intelligence to detect pathological phenomena, specifically identifying wheezing and varying intensities of crackles. The stethoscope also measures other vital indicators, including respiratory rate, heart rate, and the inhalation-to-exhalation ratio.
In the ongoing observational study spanning six months, 149 asthma patients participated, including 90 children. All patients conducted self-examinations using three devices, including StethoMe, a peak flow meter, and a peripheral capillary oxygen saturation monitor. Subsequently, all study participants underwent a health assessment evaluated by medical professionals.
Effectiveness of the AI-Powered Stethoscope in Detecting Asthma Exacerbations
Data solely from the AI-powered stethoscope proved equally effective in detecting asthma exacerbation symptoms as data from all three devices combined. This was particularly beneficial for infants, as parental assessments of their condition can be imprecise. The AI-powered stethoscope also has the potential to significantly enhance patient-doctor collaboration through telemedicine solutions.
A key advantage of the study lies in the utilization of extensive data from certified medical devices. Such data are highly reliable and surpass short-term monitoring laboratory studies with a limited number of participants.
