A Review of Portable Electronic Spirometers: Implications for Asthma Self-Management

AbstractPurpose of ReviewAlthough portable electronic spirometers allow for at-home lung function monitoring, a comprehensive review of these devices has not yet been conducted. We conducted a systematic search and review of commercially available portable electronic spirometers designed for asthma patient use.Recent FindingsAll devices (N = 16) allowed for monitoring of basic lung function parameters, but only 31% provided in-app videos on how to perform breathing maneuvers. Most devices (63%) provided graphical representations of lung function results, but only 44% gave immediate feedback on the quality of the breathing maneuve r. Several devices (25%) were FDA-approved and cost ranged from US$99 to $1390. Information on data security (63%), measurement accuracy (50%), and association with patient outcomes (0%) was commonly limited.SummaryThis review found that providers ’ ability to make informed decisions about whether asthma patients may benefit from portable electronic spirometers is limited due to lack of patient outcome data.
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research