Introduction

Air pollutants, such as Particulate Matter (PM), can increase the risk of asthma exacerbations and worsen asthma control. To study the impact of PM exposure on asthma outcomes at individual level, wearable sensors of PM can be used. However, PM data needs to be integrated with patient activity and respiratory outcomes.

Aims & Objectives

To develop a mobile app that allows asthma patients to estimate their personal PM exposure and log their clinical and functional data on a daily basis.

Methods

The app, called AirPredict, was developed using Flutter (v. 3.7.1). It integrates data from a wearable PM sensor (Atmotube PRO, Atmotech Inc.) and a wrist activity monitor (Charge 5, Fitbit Inc.). The app has 2 main features: a personal PM exposure tool, which uses heart rate data to estimate the ventilation rate, and integrates it with PM data to calculate the inhaled dose of PM; and an asthma diary, which allows patients to log values of the Asthma Control Test, home spirometry and record exacerbations.

Results

The app has three main pages: the Home Page displays the patient?s last inhaled PM dose and provides quick access to the asthma loggers; the Asthma Diary displays the logs; and the Exposure Page displays PM concentrations, inhaled doses, and activity trends. Moreover, the patient's individual data will be available for clinician evaluation to personalize treatment.

Conclusion

AirPredict provides an innovative solution for monitoring personal PM exposure and respiratory outcomes in asthma patients. Data collected by AirPredict can be used to study the impact of PM exposure on asthma outcomes at an individual level.