Breathe easy: A home-based “breathalyser” for managing chronic respiratory diseases
Dr Ella Guy from Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha – the University of Canterbury will develop an innovative device resembling a breathalyser that can be used at home to monitor chronic respiratory disease
Chronic respiratory diseases are the third leading cause of death in Aotearoa New Zealand. The high cost of respiratory tests and ongoing strains in the health system mean that patients with chronic respiratory disease are not sufficiently well monitored by specialists. An at-home device for patients would be ideal, enabling better disease management and potentially better long-term health outcomes.
Dr Guy has been awarded a Marsden Fund Fast-Start grant to develop a home-based device for management of chronic respiratory disease. Using a new device resembling a breathalyser to record resting normal breathing, Dr Guy will develop disease mapping technology. This will empower patients, allowing them to easily test and monitor their lung health from the comfort of their own home.
Dr Ella Guy with prototype device in the Mechanical Engineering Low Risk Clinical Unit (photo supplied)
This research aims to enhance management of chronic respiratory disease, enabling earlier interventions and potentially improving long-term health outcomes and saving lives. It will also reduce inequalities and barriers to accessing health services and medical specialists.