Peak Flow Meter

General

When Should the Peak Flow Meter Be Used ‚
Your doctor will talk with you about how often to use your peak flow meter. You may be asked to keep a written record of your peak flow numbers. These may help your doctor manage your asthma. The doctor may have you use your peak flow meter: ‚

In the morning before taking asthma drugs
During signs of asthma or a flare-up
After taking drugs for an asthma flare-up
As directed by your doctor

Take measurements each day. Write them down for a few weeks. This will start a personal best record that will help find out how well your asthma is being controlled. This should be done while your asthma is under control. This is your baseline number. ‚
How to Use a Peak Flow Meter ‚

Remove gum or food from your mouth.
Set the pointer on the meter to zero.
Stand up straight, hold the meter by the handle, take a deep breath, and put the mouthpiece in your mouth. The lips should be tightly closed on all sides of the mouthpiece.
Blow out as hard and fast as you can until you have emptied all the air from your lungs.
Check to see where the pointer is on the scale. Write down this number.
Reset the pointer to zero.
Repeat these steps two more times.
If done right, the numbers from each recording should be fairly close.
Write down only the highest of the three numbers in a notebook. Do not average the numbers.
Clean the meter often with mild dish soap. This will keep it free of dirt and germs and working the right way.

Peak Flow Zones ‚
Readings found from the peak flow meter can be grouped into three zones. These zones can be used as a way to help you know when your asthma is getting out of control. The zones will vary from person to person. Your doctor will decide your zones based on your peak flow readings. ‚

Green or safe zone ¢ ˆ ’ Asthma is under control. You are at 80% to 100% of your highest peak flow reading. This is the zone you want to be in every day.
Yellow or caution zone ¢ ˆ ’ More drugs may be needed. You are at 50% to 80% of your highest peak flow reading. Airways are beginning to tighten. You may have mild signs like cough, feeling tired, shortness of breath, tightening of chest.
Red or danger zone ¢ ˆ ’ Urgent healthcare is needed. You are at less than 50% of your highest peak flow reading. Signs include a very bad tightening of the airways. You may have coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Take your drugs and call your doctor.

Why is this procedure done?

A peak flow meter is a handheld tool that you can carry with you. It is used to help manage your asthma. It can show how bad your asthma flare-up is or if you are breathing well. The meter measures how much air is being forced out of the lungs. This is the peak expiratory flow rate. A peak flow meter may be used to: ‚

Learn if your asthma is getting worse
See changes in your lung function before you start to have signs like coughing or wheezing
Understand if your current care is working
Help decide if you need emergency care
Help decide if you need to change or add to your asthma drugs

Your doctor can help decide which peak flow meter is best for you. Based on your peak flow readings, your doctor will be able to make a plan to best manage your asthma. A peak flow meter is only one step in a program to manage asthma and should not be used in place of your normal healthcare. ‚

What follow-up care is needed?

Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚

Where can I learn more?

American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology ‚
http://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/at-a-glance/peak-flow-meter.aspx ‚
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ‚
http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=8&sub=16&cont=62 ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/asthma/peak_flow_meter.html ‚

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚

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