Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

Asthma is a disease resulting in difficulties in breathing that can be fatal under extreme circumstances. This disease is extremely common, affecting 15-20% of population. While its exact cause is not known, it can be brought on by allergies, infections and irritants, e.g., smoke, pollen, etc. There is no known cure for asthma; the existing treatments consist of managements of its symptoms and avoidance of irritants.The proposed research is focused on the development of diagnostic test that may permit determination of the onset of asthma attack and would assist in correct timing of the delivery of preventive medication. The correct timing makes a difference between a minor asthma event and a major one requiring hospitalization. Availability of an objective test is especially important in the case of children too young to communicate.The proposed test is based on the listening to the pulmonary sounds and the search for the sound signature of the oncoming breathing difficulties. The requested equipment will be used to develop knowledge required to identify the asthma sound signature.