Exacerbation prediction and aerosol emissions

This workstream has two parts. The first focuses on aerosol emissions. Aerosol emissions are particles people breathe out when talking, breathing, sneezing or coughing. Our work will look at the aerosols that people with lung disease create in various environments. This will help us understand the risk of airborne infections such as COVID-19 better.

Second, we will gather mobile app data from patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. We will use this data to see if we can predict when these patients may have a lung attack or ‘exacerbation’. Our aim is to help them avoid being admitted into hospital.

This work is especially important within population groups that are disproportionately affected by these diseases. To achieve this, we’re working with engineers, technology partners and other respiratory BRC themes in the UK, with access to different populations.