AI Revolution: Asthma Monitoring Advancements for Children

Adults and older children with asthma can measure symptoms using peak expiratory flow (PEF) at home, providing a comprehensive view of their condition and aiding in the early detection of asthma exacerbations or negative changes. However, a 2022 report by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) highlights continuous respiratory sounds like wheezes and rhonchi as the most reliable indicators of asthma exacerbation, particularly in children under 5 years old. Identification of these symptoms, primarily conducted by medical professionals during in-person visits using stethoscopes, can be largely subjective. Currently, there is no recommended objective tool for parents to monitor their young children’s symptoms at home.

In this study, researchers looked at which asthma symptoms are most important to measure when diagnosing exacerbation. They also looked at the impact of AI-assisted home stethoscopy on detection, particularly in young children.

The study looked at 149 patients with asthma at home, aged five and under, in Poland over the course of six months. The researchers used standard certified medical devices to measure certain asthma symptoms. For example, they used pulse oximeters (for peripheral capillary Oxygen saturation) or peak flow meters (for expiratory Flow) to measure asthma symptoms for study participants over the age of five, but not for study participants under the age of 5.

For more subjective auditory symptoms, the researchers used an AI-enabled home stethoMe. This stethoscope was certified by the Conformité européenne and was recorded on standard chest points for all study participants. The sound files were transferred to a mobile app.

The recordings were analyzed by an artificial intelligence module and the results (pathological Auscultatory Sound Intensity, Heart Rate, Respiratory Rate, Inspiration-to-Expiration Duration Ratio) were shown in the app. The data was then analyzed by physicians using an online platform to detect exacerbation events.

The results show that, while multiple steps are recommended, AI analysis of stethoscope recordings at home alone can detect asthma exacerbation effectively in patients of all age groups, including children under the age of 5.

What we know

Asthma is the most common chronic pediatric condition, and it also affects adults. Although medicine helps control the disease condition, the illness can worsen, and early detection of asthma exacerbations is critical for correct therapy and symptom relief. Peak expiratory flow (PEF) measurement is one method for detecting exacerbation. PEF home monitoring tests are available for adults and school-aged children, but none are currently suggested for children under the age of five. While assessing more subjective, auditory symptoms such as coughing and wheezing is advised, doing so at home is less useful.

What is the added value of this study?

This study adds to the existing literature. Combining multiple measures of asthma is optimal, but the parameters measured in this study can be used to detect exacerbation of asthma more effectively. This can help to improve patient-physician collaboration through telehealth.

What is the added benefit of this study?

The parameters measured by this study can help to optimize patient and physician collaboration via telehealth. It can help to improve asthma monitoring by parents and caregivers.

For children under 5 years of age, an AI stethoscope would be a great addition to their asthma monitoring.

For more information:

Emeryk, A., et al. (2023). Home Monitoring of Asthma Exacerbations in Children and Adults With Use of an AI-Aided Stethoscope. The Annals of Family Medicine. doi.org/10.1370/afm.3039.