The AI voice app that detects COPD flare-ups earlier

Researchers are working on a project to develop an AI-powered app for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a lung condition that can cause breathing problems, including shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and frequent chest infections. The idea is that an algorithm can analyze what a patient's voice sounds like on any given day and detect dangerous flare-ups before symptoms become severe. The technology is based on the idea that indirect changes in breathing and lung function can affect the sound of a person’s voice before symptoms worsen. The project, led by pulmonologist Dr. Sami Simons at Maastricht University Medical Centre, asks patients to record short voice samples. The app, which is still under research, then uses artificial intelligence to analyze the recordings and identify patterns that may signal declining respiratory health. “A flare-up of asthma COPD means that people suddenly become worse. So, they get more dyspnea, more phlegm, more cough. So, what usually happens is that they are at home. Or they are at work. So, they need to contact the healthcare provider. And so, there's a delay in a way of getting the right care. And that delay can last up to a couple of days,” says Dr. Simons. The team hopes the technology will reduce hospital visits and provide patients with a simple way to monitor their condition from home. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly common in healthcare, privacy concerns remain a major issue for patients. Because the app analyzes a person’s voice, researchers say protecting that sensitive data has been a priority from the start. Dr. Simons says the app was developed with the help of privacy experts to ensure voice recordings remain in a secure environment. This article was provided by The Associated Press.