Asthma is a respiratory condition that can restrict the airways, making it difficult for one to breathe. During an asthma attack, the airways become inflamed, sometimes leading to life-threatening consequences. Approximately 1 in 12 adults and 1 in 11 children have asthma, and these numbers are growing each year. Fortunately, advancements in technology have made it easier than ever to manage the condition.
Mobile Apps for Asthma Management
Many people now have the choice to manage their asthma with the aid of mobile phone apps that can help keep track of their medications, symptoms, triggers, and can even help communicate more effectively with the doctor by clearly organizing all of this information right inside the app. There are a wide variety of options to choose from when it comes to selecting an app, so it’s helpful to consult with a medical professional about what exactly you need from a program. As a healthcare professional, it’s important to stay up to date on all the ways to keep your patients healthy in this new era of modernity.
Here are some of the top asthma management apps that you can recommend to your patients.
#1 Asthma Buddy
General asthma management apps can aid all demographics of asthmatic patients. Usually, these types of apps act as asthma diaries of sorts. Keeping an asthma diary that tracks your symptoms, attacks, and triggers is the key to maintaining a comprehensive understanding of your asthma. It’s an important part of the asthmatic experience whether or not it’s on an app, but oftentimes the apps can simplify the process drastically. If your patient struggles to stick to a consistent management routine, try suggesting Asthma Buddy, which can remind a patient about their daily medications, and they can plan out an organized action plan should an attack occur.
#2 AsthmaMD
Additionally, apps such as AsthmaMD can be synched with mechanical devices that patients can blow into to check their levels and capabilities. This compatibility is important when it comes to achieving accuracy.
#3 Assist Me With Inhalers
Some senior citizen-friendly apps are friendlier for older patients who might not be as inclined to completely digitize their routine, but still need help managing their condition. Apps such as Assist Me With Inhalers allow for clear, easy to interpret, graphics that help you to better understand different asthma medications and gear. This can help patients determine which inhalers to use in various situations, as it can be difficult to remember, especially for patients with Alzheimer’s or Dementia.
#4 Buster Baxter: Lung Defender
Nowadays, kids are much more technologically inclined, and many of them have access to smartphones. The most important part of their asthmatic journey is going to be learning about their asthma and how to handle it. Teaching children about their condition, including their triggers, can be life-saving when it comes to getting them the proper medical attention in the event of an attack. Apps such as Buster Baxter: Lung Defender can help developing minds become informed about asthma and what to do if they feel a constriction coming on.
Also, child-friendly apps like Wizdy Pets incorporate games and quizzes to make the learning fun and encourage further comprehension.
#5 Allergy Alert
Many asthmatic patients suffer from environmental triggers, such as seasonal pollen. Certain apps such as the Pollen.com Allergy Alert app can use your locations to warn you about potential risks throughout your day. The app can warn of things such as high pollen levels in your area, using GPS technology to get an approximate idea of your conditions.
#6 AsthmaTrack
Most of these tracking and logging apps have features that allow you to share the information with your doctor’s office. Apps such as asthmaTrack can make graphs and charts for your asthma that visualize the data in a more comprehensive way that makes it easier for both you and your medical team to better understand your status.
The Future of Asthma Treatment
Overall, the technology showcased here embodies the evolution of asthma care. By accepting assistance from these apps, patients can streamline their routines, making it easier to stay informed and consistent with their care. Because asthma is a chronic condition, it’s important for patients to know how to take care of themselves on a daily basis when they don’t have the immediate assistance of a specialist. Apps such as the ones described above have the potential to improve the quality of life for your patients, especially if they struggle with an asthma-induced lifestyle. This new technology is paving the way for a new era of healthcare.
If you’re interested in helping people such as asthma patients live their healthiest lives, Woodruff Medical Training has Nursing Assistant, Medical Assistant, and Patient Care Technician certification programs that can help you get started!