Development of a Bluetooth-Enabled Smart Inhaler with Real-Time Out-of-Range Alerts and Dosage Monitoring for Asthmatic Patients

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition caused by inflammation and muscle tightening around the airways, which makes it harder to breathe. A strict adherence to medication regimens to prevent symptoms and exacerbations. The most common treatment is using an inhaler, which sends medication directly to the lungs. Inhalers help manage asthma and allow people to live normal, active lives. However, forgetfulness and not knowing the number of puffs remaining in the inhaler are common problems that can make managing asthma more challenging. Antihistamines, which are often used to treat allergy symptoms in asthma patients, can block acetylcholine, a chemical in the brain that helps with memory and learning, potentially causing memory loss. This manuscript presents the development of a Bluetooth-enabled smart inhaler designed to improve medication adherence among asthmatic patients. The hardware design uses microcontroller to integrates real-time out-of-range alerts to remind patients when their inhaler is not within proximity and a dosage monitoring system to track the number of doses taken and remaining. The Bluetooth technology enables the inhaler to connect to a mobile application, providing reminders and notifications if the inhaler is forgotten or left behind. By tackling issues like forgetfulness due to antihistamines and poor dose tracking, this smart inhaler seeks to improve patient adherence, reduce asthma flare-ups, and enhance overall asthma management.