Present Technology

Asthma is currently treated with devices like inhalers, nebulizers, and finger pulse oximeters (to check oxygen levels). 

• Inhalers: Small handheld devices that release on spray of medicine when you inhale it. Sometimes they need a chamber (long tube attachment) to make sure you are inhaling all the medicine. 

• Nebulizers: Machines have to be plugged in and that turn liquid medicine into a mist that is inhaled using a small mask.

• Finger Pulse Oximeters: Clamp on a finger and measure oxygen saturation and pulse rate.

 

Problems with Current Technology

Currently, available devices are not wearable and can be easily forgotten or far from you. Additionally, asthma medications can expire and make the inhaler useless! And it can be difficult to know if you sprayed enough or too little of your inhaler.