Analysis of Respiratory Sounds in Asthmatic Infants

The aim of this study was to validate an asthma monitoring system based on wheezing detection in phonopneumograms. Electronic auscultation and recording of breathing was performed in a group of 26 asthmatic infants (1-7 years) in order to detect the presence of wheezing and determine appropriate respiratory spectra parameters for early detection of possible asthmatic seizures. For recording two types of transducers were used: electret microphones and accelerometers, positioned over the trachea or the chest. The power spectra were calculated and analysed for indicators of wheezing off line. Wheezing was detected in 70% of patients during asthmatic seizures and no wheezing could be detected when no pulmonary obstruction was present.