Mumbai: Cipla has launched a mobile application, CipAir, aimed at early asthma screening in India. The app offers a simple method to assess respiratory health, addressing the country’s significant asthma challenges, which are often underdiagnosed and undertreated.
How CipAir Works ?
The CipAir app uses acoustic analysis to screen for asthma through a three-step exhalation test. Users perform three exhalations while attempting to extinguish a virtual candle displayed on their smartphone screens. The app provides real-time feedback on test quality and categorizes results into three zones:
Red: High likelihood of asthma; medical consultation recommended.
Yellow: Moderate likelihood; follow-up suggested.
Green: Low likelihood; no immediate action required.
While the app is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, it serves as a convenient first-line tool to identify potential asthma cases and prompt timely medical intervention.
The Need for Early Asthma Screening in India
India accounts for approximately 34.3 million asthma cases, according to the Global Burden of Disease report. The country’s asthma-related mortality rate is reported to be three times higher than the global average, while the disability burden is twice as high. CipAir aims to bridge diagnostic gaps and enable early disease management to reduce these alarming statistics.
Availability and Context
Currently available on Android, CipAir will soon expand to iOS devices. Cipla has also developed other digital platforms such as Breathe free, which offers respiratory care resources, including breathing exercises and inhaler tracking. These initiatives reflect the increasing integration of digital tools in public health efforts to improve respiratory care.
Digital Tools in Public Health
CipAir’s introduction aligns with the broader push to make healthcare more accessible and user-friendly in India. By leveraging mobile technology, Cipla aims to enable individuals to take proactive steps in managing asthma, potentially reducing the burden of undiagnosed cases across the country.
