Lung infection monitor for chronic disease patients

Bacterial 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.