Doctor’s Invention to Aid Son’s Inhaler Use Shows Promise for Asthma Patients

Tariq Aslam, a consultant ophthalmologist, experienced the common parental challenge of observing his young son, Rafi, who is four years old, struggle with his inhaler. He stated that witnessing Rafi “fighting for breath” was profoundly “stressful and frightening” for both him and his wife. Rafi required a child-specific inhaler every four hours. Professor Aslam noted that his son frequently resisted the mask and spacer device against his mouth, particularly when experiencing wheezing. “I was determined to do something about it,” Professor Aslam stated, adding that he “designed a system on a shoestring which could help train him.” This led to the creation of a device incorporating gaming-style software, designed to instruct young asthma patients on proper inhaler usage. Professor Aslam, affiliated with the University of Manchester, developed a system by attaching a microphone to an inhaler. This invention, named the Rafihaler, utilizes software to translate sounds captured by the microphone into a visual representation on a screen. Correct inhaler technique by Rafi was reinforced through a visual reward: a robot advancing through obstacles on screen, mimicking a video game. Ten years subsequent to its initial development, Professor Aslam anticipates that an improved iteration of his invention will benefit a wider population. He described the device as “utterly transformational,” having allowed Rafi to administer his medication effectively and without discomfort. Manchester University announced that this straightforward inhaler add-on, which costs “just pennies,” is now controllable via a smartphone application. A university spokesperson indicated that the Clip-Tone System also offers daily guidance and feedback on inhaler usage to its users. The university reported that as many as 90% of individuals who use inhalers could improve their usage effectiveness. Clare Murray, a professor of paediatric respiratory medicine at the University of Manchester, supervised a randomised control trial. This trial included 117 adults and spanned a duration of up to six months. Funding for this research was provided by the National Institute for Health and Care Research and the Asthma+Lung UK charity. The smartphone application was developed by Clin-e-cal, a digital health company that originated from the University of Manchester, with support from Clement Clarke International, a medical technology company based in South Wales. Professor Murray commented, “We think the system may be a useful low-cost approach for the initial training of patients to use inhalers.” She further stated that the system could also “be helpful to maintain improved inhaler technique,” which would contribute to better asthma management. The developers of the Clip-Tone System are currently seeking a partner to facilitate its market launch.