Health · Medical Research · 1 hr ago
Digital tools improve asthma treatment adherence in children
A review of 50 studies found that digital tools can help improve asthma control in children.
The findings were presented by the Italian Society for Childhood Respiratory Diseases at its congress.
Asthma affects one in 10 children, and missed doses, stopping treatment when symptoms ease or using an inhaler incorrectly can lead to flare-ups.
Apps can remind children or parents to take medicine, while connected inhalers can record doses taken or missed.
Wearable sensors can track breathing during exercise and recovery, and telemedicine has helped manage severe asthma.
In one severe-asthma programme, telemedicine was linked to 41% fewer flare-ups and 46% fewer severe flare-ups.
Researchers say a next step is using artificial intelligence to send alerts that may help identify risk before a flare-up fully develops.
Digital tools can improve asthma treatment adherence among children by 12% to 23%, according to a review of 50 studies.
The review was presented at the Congress of the Italian Society for Childhood Respiratory Diseases.
Tools include reminder apps, connected inhalers, wearable sensors and telemedicine.
A telemedicine programme for severe asthma reduced flare-ups by 41% and the most severe flare-ups by 46%.
Researchers say digital alerts powered by artificial intelligence could help predict risks before symptoms fully worsen.
- Who
- Children with asthma, and the researchers who reviewed the evidence.
- What
- Digital tools can improve adherence to treatment by 12% to 23% and may help control asthma.
- When
- The review was presented at the Congress of the Italian Society for Childhood Respiratory Diseases. The article was published on 12 October 2026.
- Where
- The review was presented at the Congress of the Italian Society for Childhood Respiratory Diseases. The congress location is not stated.
- Why
- Digital tools can remind children to take medication, record doses and symptoms, and help monitor asthma control.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Studies reviewed
- 50
- Improved treatment adherence
- 12% to 23%
- Children affected by asthma
- 1 in 10
- Severe asthma telemedicine programme
- Flare-ups reduced by 41%; most severe by 46%
- Wearcon study participants
- Children aged 4 to 14 years
What people are saying
Digital technologies can help us in everyday life, reminding us about treatment and recording symptoms
The next step will be to manage to intervene before the flare-up fully manifests itself, a promising prospect
Sources
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