Using A Peak Flow Meter

If you have asthma, a peak flow meter can tell you how well your lungs are functioning. This small, inexpensive device is easy to use and can warn you of a coming asthma attack.

How do you use one? Follow these steps:

Fit the mouthpiece in the peak flow meter.

Move the sliding indicator to zero at the base of the peak flow meter.

Hold the peak flow meter horizontally with your fingers on the side but don’t touch the sliding marker or block the holes at the end of the device.

Stand up and take a deep breath.

Put the mouthpiece of the peak flow meter in your mouth with your lips closed tightly around it.

Breathe out quickly and forcefully through your mouth into the peak flow meter.

Take a look at the number opposite the sliding marker and write down your reading.

Repeat these steps two more times and record the highest reading in your asthma diary. After each reading, put an x-mark on the appropriate number on the table found in your asthma diary. You can later join the x-marks to make a graph. This will give you an objective assessment of lung function. Include the date and time of the reading as well as other important information such as symptoms (e.g. coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath), asthma triggers and the medicines you’re taking.

After each use, remove the mouthpiece from the peak flow meter and clean it with warm water. Don’t use strong detergents or very hot water. Wipe it dry and store it together with the peak flow meter in a clean dry place.

Show the diary to your doctor on your next scheduled visit or inform him/her earlier if something is wrong.

Two measurements are used to determine your condition: your predicted and personal best. The predicted measurement is the reading that is expected of the average person based on height, age or sex. Your personal best reflects the best reading you can achieve after treatment. It may be slightly higher or lower than the predicted measurement.

When you know your personal best score, you can compare this with the Stop Light System to assess your asthma episodes and keep it under control. This system is divided into three zones: green, yellow, and red.

The green zone is 80 to 100 percent of your personal best score. This is the ideal zone where there are no symptoms. You can perform normal activities and sleep peacefully without being bothered by asthma. But you should continue taking regular asthma medicines prescribed by your doctor.

The yellow zone is 50 to 80 percent of your personal best number and is characterized by mild or moderate symptoms (e.g. coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness) that may interfere with daily activity as well as sleeping. This indicates that your asthma is not well controlled and you may have to increase or change your medicines. Tell your doctor if you keep going into the yellow zone. He/she may have to re-evaluate your treatment plan.

If your personal best score is below 50 percent, you are entering the red zone. You may experience severe symptoms and have difficulty walking or talking. This is a medical emergency. If you don’t feel better after taking extra medicines, call your doctor and go to the hospital immediately!

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