Last Friday, we found out that we still don’t have the genetic cause of asthma defined. But, the condition itself- that we know a lot about. After all, with some 44000 asthma attacks- EACH AND EVERY DAY in the US alone, it’s pretty clear someone ought to know what’s going on.
Well, maybe someone really, really does. Have you ever heard of Health Care Originals (HCO) ? Well, it’s probably time you learned about this startup.
The firm is commercializing some University of Rochester technology. Its development began by Dr. Hyekyun Rhee, from the School of Nursing, who later added Dr. Mark Bocko from the computer science department of the school to the program. By 2009, these folks had derived a device to help manage chronic respiratory disease. The device claims to employ intelligent asthma management (a phrase which they may actually be trademarking), coordinating a wearable with an app and a web platform. HCO began commercialization efforts in 2014.
ADAMM employs a waterproof and wearable IoT (internet of things) device, which via a nearby smartphone (with which is communicates via bluetooth technology), which then coordinates with a dedicated web portal. ADAMM monitors one’s cough rate, respiratory activity, body temperature, and heart rate, and employs this data in an algorithm system on the web. The web system can then notify a caretaker (i.e., a parent), if conditions merit.
ADAMM also coordinates with inhaler use (including reminders to take one’s medication) and affords the addition of voice to journal behavior (and feelings). The big issue for the system is baseline development.
Determining what is one’s normal behavior requires one to wear the device for long periods of time- something on the order of 18 hours a day. (It can’t be worn continually- the device needs to be recharged.)
Once the baseline is developed, the device can discern any biorhythmic patterns of interest, e.g., what times of the day is breathing more labored, more problematic. And, by developing this baseline, the unit becomes capable of letting the user- and the caregiver- know when there are deviations from that baseline… in other words, when an asthma attack may be imminent.
(One of the more interesting things is ADAMM is capable of letting users know if they have breathing problems while they sleep. Coughing and other deviations can be observed. [I use a sleep monitoring device- which tells me if my breathing is halted, if there are any extraneous noises (above and beyond the TV), and how often I twist and turn. It’s not part of a respiratory monitoring program, though.] )
Once the baseline is determined, the user only wears the device during his/her problem (when the most chance for an event) periods. But, the longer the user wears the device each day, the better the predictive capabilities.
Moreover, HOC plans to adapt the device to coordinate hospital use for clinical trials and research. But, ADAMM is currently awaiting FDA approval, with asthma as the specific approved case of use. COPD- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease- is the next target respiratory conditions for the device.
A small, important step.
University of Rochester! I have a co worker whose severe asthma has progressed to COPD. I didn’t know anything about this.
Alana recently posted..Alligators and Crab Shacks – FlavoursomeTuesdays
Yup. Rochester is from where this emanates. Now, it needs to move across the country.
Sounds like a must for asthma suffers.
Martha recently posted..Create a List of My Favorite Blog Posts
At least for the younger set, Martha!
I think I would love both ADAMM & your device for my son. He has the exertion asthma but also sometimes has breathing problems in his sleep if his head isn’t lifted up high enough.
You did read the earlier piece about “exertion asthma” or “exercise-induced asthma”, Jeanine, right? Too often those are mis-diagnosed.
oh.. i am loving IoT more and more each day!!
LadyInRead recently posted..Top Ten Bookish Goals for 2018
I think I will change your mind in a week or so. I have an article or two in my queue that will burst that bubble!
Wow, this sounds like a great use of technology to improve health. I find this interesting because there is a lot of asthma in my family.
I think being able to predict when things are about to get worse is a most valuable concept. (I actually track my vitals routinely, and can pretty much discern when the environment is about to provide me an unwelcome present.)
it’s so nice and wonderful,thank uh for sharing dear..
https://www.lukhidiamond.com/LOOSE-DIAMONDS
Thank you so much for the visit and the comment, Suresh.
Thanks for this information. I had never heard of HCO and it sounds like great things are had for ashrams and COPD sufferers which is a good thing.
Yup. All we need now is to await their FDA approval. In the meantime, I will still track my sleep using my own tablet.
interesting blog
Thanks, Maddy!