Aluna is known for increasing patient accessibility for doctors through remote monitoring. As of June 2020, the FDA is allowing certain devices to be used in remote monitoring, diagnosing, and treating COVID-19 and conditions that might make COVID-19 worse. The update makes Aluna a great tool for addressing health concerns caused by COVID-19.
Aluna’s Role in Managing COVID-19
Aluna is a portable spirometer and management program designed to help adults and children monitor their lung function and take control of their respiratory health. A spirometry test examines the function of your lungs by measuring both how much air you can inhale and how much you can exhale. It also measures how quickly you draw the air in. The purpose of spirometry testing is to see if you are drawing in the correct amount of air based on your age, height, size, etc. If you aren’t, the doctor has to take steps to understand why. With the common occurrence of respiratory issues that can make COVID-19 worse, it’s important to track lung health as we manage potential exposure to this virus.
In the context of the COVID-19 public health emergency, the use of Aluna can reduce the need for in-clinic visits. This may ease the burdens on hospitals and medical facilities while reducing the risk of exposure for patients.
While COVID-19 is by no means fatal for everyone who encounters it, it does pose serious risks to certain individuals. Those at greater risk include the elderly, the very young, and those with chronic health diseases like asthma. According to the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) certain chronic lung diseases may put people at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. The CDC is, therefore, advising patients with asthma or certain chronic lung diseases to keep their condition under control.
Since humans already possess little immunity to the virus, those with weakened immune systems have a harder time fighting off the symptoms.
“We’ve known for many years that individuals with asthma have a higher risk of lung infections than others.”
Jens Helby Petersen, Doctor, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Denmark.
There is no evidence that people with respiratory diseases are more likely to contract COVID-19. However, they may be at greater risk of exposure to the virus. The need to visit their doctor for monitoring of asthma or other conditions could increase their likelihood of contact with COVID-19.
How does Aluna work?
Aluna connects via Bluetooth to transmit a patient’s FEV1% directly to their health care provider. The app also allows patients to self-monitor their scores for changes outside a parameter set by their doctor. These scores can aid a health care professional in the diagnosis of a particular condition or disease. This includes treating COVID-19 related complications. Aluna effectively mimics the spirometry exams typically performed in a doctor’s office.
“Amid COVID-19, there is an enormous demand for Aluna and our respiratory health management. We are honored to have received FDA clearance and excited for doctors and patients to experience Aluna’s spirometer, app, and dashboard, which allows doctors to review FEV1% in real-time.” – Charvi Shetty, CEO of Aluna
Aluna’s mission is to provide clarity, peace, and control of your respiratory health.
*COVID-19 is a novel disease, and diagnostic and treatment protocols are still under development. The FDA has previously cleared the Aluna device to provide FEV1% and PEF data to manage certain lung conditions. Although the extent to which FEV1% and PEF data can be used to diagnose or treat COVID-19 has not been established, it is possible that health care providers might find monitoring these parameters a helpful adjunctive (supportive) component in the diagnosis or treatment of COVID-19. In such cases, Aluna with its remote monitoring capabilities might be useful as an adjunctive diagnostic or treatment tool for spot-checking or trend monitoring patients with COVID-19. No assertions about the possible usefulness of the Aluna device in the diagnosis or treatment of COVID-19 have been proven or have been cleared by the FDA.
