A flare-up of asthma or COPD, known as an exacerbation, means symptoms such as difficulty breathing, coughing and phlegm suddenly become worse. They can interfere with patients’ everyday activities and, without prompt medical care, they can become dangerous.

Researchers say that, in the future, it may be possible to use a daily voice check to monitor for the earliest signs of a flare-up, meaning treatment can be given as soon as possible.

The research was led by Dr. Sami Simons, assistant professor at Maastricht University and consultant respiratory physician at Maastricht University Medical Center, the Netherlands. He said, “On top of their daily symptoms, many people with asthma or COPD suffer from sudden increases in symptoms called exacerbations. These can be frightening, and they can lead to longer-term deterioration and increase the risk of dying.