102423Lung infection monitor for chronic disease patientsClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKBacterial and fungal lung infections are one of the biggest causes of death worldwide. People who suffer from chronic lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchiectasis or cystic fibrosis, are more susceptible to lung infections. These infections make their condition much worse, decreasing patient quality of life and increasing healthcare costs. We are developing a device that can be used by patients at home to monitor daily for lung infections caused by pathogenic bacteria and fungi. By identifying infections early, lung damage will be minimised and patient quality of life improved. Additionally, the infection monitor will be usable by doctors in a GP surgery or clinic to diagnose a suspected bacterial or fungal infection in patients. This will help reduce the unnecessary prescription of antibiotics where instead of having a beneficial effect they cause an increase in anti microbial resistance, one of biggest future threats facing healthcare.