O2: Breathe Easy: Minimize Respiratory Distress

Respiratory illnesses are the third largest cause of death in Canada and can affect people of all ages. The leading respiratory illnesses are Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which are both chronic and get worse as you age. Both respiratory issues cause lung deterioration, extreme discomfort and decreased quality of life, leading to prolonged hospitalization prior to death. The primary user of the potential device is a patient suffering from asthma or COPD. Such patients who have been tested and confirmed with degenerative lung disease are adults (18-55 years; M/F) and often smokers. The secondary user would be the doctor or nurse who uses the device on the patient. The tertiary user would be the orderly who moves the devicewhen the primary and secondary users are done with it. The aim of this thesis project is to help minimize the effects of respiratory distress, while improving the lives of patients struggling with chronic respiratory illness.