Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory disease resulting in obstructed airflow into and out of the lungs’ lower airways. Approximately 9% of Americans are diagnosed with moderate to severe COPD, predominantly affecting the adult population. A method to assess COPD progression is utilizing spirometry to monitor patients during outpatient care for lung function. Typical parameters measured through spirometry include forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁), forced vital capacity (FVC), and the ratio between the two parameters (FEV₁/FVC). Current handheld spirometers are limited by accuracy, precision, and accessibility to stored data. This project aims to develop a way to measure lung function in adult patients with moderate to severe COPD that provides accessible at-home care. The proposed device will calculate respiratory parameters from volumetric flow rate measurements, and provide the user with a method to collect and store their personal information, raw data, and test conclusions. These components will meet functional requirements set by the ATS, HIPAA, as well as ISO and IEC electrical standards. BreatheEZ will set the stage for innovations in respiratory care and lay the groundwork for improved health outcomes, and patient-driven COPD care.