Through AI analysis of coughs, a report of lung health in your smartphone, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• Swaasa, a smartphone AI app, analyzes coughs to assess lung health.
• Validated at Apollo Hospitals, it underwent trials at CMC Vellore, AIIMS (Delhi, Bhubaneswar, Gorakhpur, Ballabgarh) and JIPMER Puducherry.
• AI algorithm identifies patterns in cough sounds indicative of conditions like COPD, asthma, and pulmonary tuberculosis.
• Swaasa has demonstrated approximately 90% accuracy in identifying respiratory abnormalities.
• ALYI Foundation and Cipla are collaborating with AIIMS Ballabgarh to pilot Swaasa in Uttarakhand.

Detailed Insights:

• Swaasa combines cough sound analysis with symptom data for preliminary diagnosis of lung diseases.
• The app can differentiate between obstructive and restrictive lung conditions with about 85% accuracy.
• Chronic coughs have distinct sound patterns that the AI algorithm recognizes to differentiate lung diseases.
• Developed by Salcit Technologies, Swaasa was conceptualized in 2017 with support from government and international agencies.
• Swaasa is intended as a screening tool in peripheral health centers, not a replacement for spirometry.
• NGOs in Bihar are utilizing Swaasa for rural health screening initiatives.
• The app has shown around 83% accuracy in detecting asthma or COPD, and about 79% with pulmonary tuberculosis.
• Swaasa is listed among the 10 high-impact AI tools developed in India at the AI Impact Summit 2026.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Simulation of human intelligence processes by computer systems.
• Spirometry: A common lung function test that measures the amount of air you can breathe in and out and how quickly you can exhale.
• Algorithm: A process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations, especially by a computer.