Breathing without blowing: new scanner may diagnose lung disease in seconds

This study tests a non-invasive imaging method called electrical impedance tomography (EIT) to monitor lung function in 400 adults with lung diseases like COPD, asthma, or pneumonia. Unlike standard spirometry, which requires active blowing, EIT works even in patients who cannot cooperate, such as those with a tracheostomy. The goal is to see if EIT can replace or complement spirometry for easier, real-time lung monitoring.