| abstract |
A system (10) is provided for determining a subject's probability of exacerbation of COPD. The system includes a first inhaler 100 for delivering a rescue drug to a subject. The rescue drug may be suitable for treating an acute respiratory disease in a subject, for example, in a manner that affects the rapid dilation of bronchi and bronchi upon inhalation of the drug. The first inhaler has a use-detection system 12B configured to determine a rescue inhalation performed by the subject using the first inhaler. The system optionally includes a second inhaler for delivering maintenance medication to the subject during routine inhalation. The sensor system 12A is configured to measure parameters related to airflow during rescue inhalation and/or during routine inhalation when a second inhaler is included in the system. The system further comprises a processor 14 configured to determine the number of rescue suctions during the first period and to receive the measured parameter for at least some of the rescue and/or routine suctions. Then, the processor uses the weighted model to determine the COPD exacerbation probability based on the rescue suction number and parameters. The model is weighted so that the parameter is more important in determining the probability than the number of rescue suctions. Further provided is a method for determining a subject's probability of exacerbation of COPD, employing a weighted model. |