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The app, called Swaasa, was featured as an innovation case study at the International AI Impact Summit 2026, being held at Bharat Mandapam, Delhi
The app records the patient’s cough; the patient is asked to cough two to three times. (AI Image)
Artificial intelligence (AI) is steadily transforming multiple sectors, and healthcare is among the biggest beneficiaries. AI-powered tools are now being developed to assist in quick diagnosis, and a similar platform for respiratory care has begun making an impact. An AI-based application that analyses cough sounds to help detect respiratory conditions within minutes has been tested and approved by AIIMS New Delhi and is now being used for patients in specific settings.
The app, called Swaasa, has also been featured as an innovation case study at the International AI Impact Summit 2026, being held at Bharat Mandapam, Delhi. Dr Harshal Ramesh Salve, Additional Professor at the Centre for Community Medicine, AIIMS, said the application can be operated through a mobile phone. Developed by a private company, its effectiveness was evaluated at AIIMS New Delhi.
“The AI Swaasa app was tested against gold standard spirometry at AIIMS and has proven to be moderately effective. Testing on 460 patients at AIIMS found it useful in detecting primary and secondary respiratory conditions. The app analyses the information provided by the user along with cough sounds to assess whether a patient has asthma or COPD,” Dr Salve said.
What is this app and how does it work? Here are the details shared by Dr Salve:
Q. What diseases can the Swaasa app diagnose?
At present, this AI app is effective in detecting asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in patients. Traditionally, respiratory tests are required for diagnosing these conditions, but this app can generate an assessment based on cough patterns.
Q. Is this app being used at AIIMS?
The app is most useful in areas where spirometry, the gold standard test, is not available, such as primary health centres (PHCs), Arogya Mandirs, and some local government hospitals. AIIMS already has full testing facilities. However, the app is being used at AIIMS New Delhi’s outreach centre in Ballabhgarh and during health camps.
Q. How effective was it in testing 460 patients?
At AIIMS, 460 patients were assessed using this AI app alongside spirometry. A moderate correlation was observed between the two methods. The app also helped improve the detection of COPD and asthma in screening settings.
Q. How does this app work?
The Swaasa app is designed as a screening tool. Patient details are first entered into the system, along with information about symptoms or discomfort. The app then records the patient’s cough; the patient is asked to cough two to three times. The report is generated within about eight minutes after the cough recording.
Q. Will this app also test for TB?
Yes, there is potential for that. The app is currently being further developed and tested for tuberculosis (TB) detection as well. If successful, it would mark another significant advancement in AI-based respiratory screening.
February 18, 2026, 19:24 IST
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