Today is World Asthma Day!
Every year on World Asthma Day, we aim to raise awareness of asthma and help those suffering from it, live happier and healthier lives.
So what is asthma?
Asthma is a common long term lung condition that affects people of all ages, and it can be difficult to manage, especially for those who experience frequent symptoms. Asthma affects the airways that carry air in and out of your lungs, and in the UK alone, 5.4 million people have asthma. That’s one in every 12 adults and one in every 11 children. Young people and those from deprived areas are often most at risk from asthma (Asthma & Lung UK).
The rise of digital technologies has given people with asthma new tools to manage their condition more effectively. We will explore the benefits of digital technologies for asthma management, and specifically, the Digital Health Passport, which can help those with asthma self-manage their condition.
What is the Digital Health Passport?
The Digital Health Passport is a mobile app that provides a range of tools and resources to help people with asthma manage their condition effectively. The app has several features that can be used to monitor symptoms, learn more about your asthma, and track your triggers.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the features of the Digital Health Passport:
- Asthma Action Plan: The app provides a safe and secure place to access and share your asthma action plan which outlines what to do in case of an asthma attack, including how to use medications and when to seek medical help.
- Symptom and Peak Flow Diary: The app allows users to track their symptoms and peak flow readings over time, providing insights into patterns and triggers. This information can be used to adjust treatment plans and identify potential triggers.
- Air Quality Alerts: The app provides real time air quality alerts, helping users avoid their triggers such as pollution and allergens. The alerts can be set up according to the user’s individual needs.
- Trigger Avoidance: The app provides tips and resources for avoiding triggers, such as avoiding smoking areas, dust mites, and pet dander.
- Trusted Learning Resources: The app provides access to trusted resources and learning materials, such as videos, articles, and forums, to help users learn more about their condition, techniques and how to manage it effectively.
So why is the Digital Health Passport beneficial for someone with asthma?
So, why is the Digital Health Passport beneficial for someone with asthma? There are several reasons:
- It provides personalised care – The app is designed to be personalised to each individual’s needs, providing tailored recommendations based on their specific triggers and symptoms.
- It helps track symptoms and triggers – By tracking symptoms and peak flow readings over time, users can identify patterns and triggers, allowing them to make more informed decisions about their treatment and avoid potential triggers.
- It provides real time alerts – The app provides real time alerts about air quality and other potential triggers based on your location, allowing users to take action to avoid them.
- It provides access to trusted resources – The app provides access to trusted learning materials and resources, allowing users to learn more about their condition and how to manage it effectively.
Overall, the Digital Health Passport is an important tool for those with asthma, providing a range of features that can help them manage their condition more effectively. By tracking symptoms, avoiding triggers and accessing educational material from trusted sources, people with asthma can take a more proactive role in their care and improve their quality of life.
On this World Asthma Day, let’s celebrate the benefits of technologies for asthma management and encourage more people to use these tools to improve their health and wellbeing.
Download and share our top tips to look after your asthma better: