Revolutionary Breath Test Poised to Transform Early Detection of Asthma and COPD
Oxford, UK – A groundbreaking project at the University of Oxford is developing a revolutionary breathing test with the potential to detect asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) earlier, more accurately, and - crucially – closer to home. The research, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), aims to alleviate pressure on the National Health Service (NHS) and dramatically improve patient outcomes.
Currently, diagnosis of these debilitating lung conditions relies heavily on spirometry, a test many patients find difficult to perform effectively. This often leads to delayed diagnosis and irreversible lung damage. Asthma and COPD collectively affect over half a billion people globally, contributing to over four million deaths annually, with disadvantaged communities bearing a disproportionate burden.
“To improve lung health, we need to move from fire-fighting advanced disease to detecting and treating it earlier, when it is still possible to prevent progression,” explains Professor Grant Ritchie, lead researcher from the University of Oxford’s Department of Chemistry. “With EPSRC support, we are developing a rapid, non-invasive breath test that could provide immediate results in community diagnostic settings and transform early diagnosis.”
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