The color code for each zone reflects progressively more-severe symptoms:. Using a peak flow meter can be an effective tool for managing your asthma — but there are other things you need to do:.
Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Sections for Peak flow meter About. Overview A peak flow meter is a portable, easy-to-use device that measures how well your lungs are able to expel air. More Information Asthma Asthma attack. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic.
Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Gerald LB, et al. Peak expiratory flow monitoring in asthma. Accessed March 23, Measuring your peak flow rate. American Lung Association. Peak flow meter. What's considered a normal score depends on your age, height and gender.
Ask your GP or asthma nurse for more information on what would be considered a normal score for you. To help diagnose asthma, your result can be compared to what would usually be expected for someone of your age, height and gender. A significant difference between your score and a normal score, or a difference in your scores in the morning and evening or when your symptoms are good and bad, may suggest you have asthma.
If you're monitoring your asthma at home, your score should be compared to your best result at a point when your condition was well controlled. A big difference between your current and best score could be a sign that your condition is becoming poorly controlled or that you're having an asthma attack.
If you have a personal asthma action plan, it might say what you should do when your peak flow score falls to a certain level. You may just need to use one of your inhalers, or you may need to seek medical help.
See treating asthma and what to do if you have an asthma attack for more information. Speak to your GP or asthma nurse if you've been diagnosed with asthma and don't have a personal action plan, or if you're concerned about your peak flow score and don't know what to do.
It creates excess mucous and a chronic cough. Use of a different type or brand of peak flow meter, as measurements may vary among brands and types of meters. Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure to you. Ask him or her any questions you have. You may be asked to sign a consent form that gives permission to do the procedure.
Read the form carefully. Ask questions if anything is not clear. Tell your healthcare provider if you take any medicines. This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Before starting daily peak flow meter measuring, your healthcare provider may have you follow a detailed schedule over 2 to 3 weeks. This value will be used as a baseline for your daily measurements. Peak flow measurement is done 1 or more times daily at the same time of day, or whenever you are having early signs of an asthma attack. Or you should use it when directed by your healthcare provider.
Use the peak flow meter PFM before taking asthma medicine. Your healthcare provider may advise other times when using a PFM is useful. Before each use, make sure the sliding pointer on the peak flow meter is reset to the 0 mark. Take a deep breath and put the mouthpiece in your mouth. Seal your lips and teeth tightly around the mouthpiece. Blow out as hard and as fast as you can. Repeat this 3 times. The 3 readings should be close together. If not, adjust your technique.
Record only the highest of the 3 readings on a graph or in a notebook. Do not average the numbers together. The highest number is called your peak flow or personal best.
Use the peak flow meter once a day, or as directed by your healthcare provider. Measure peak flows about the same time each day. A good time might be when you first wake up, or at bedtime. If you use a new peak flow meter, you will need to find your new personal best value on the new meter.
He or she may tell you to increase or change your medicines. He or she may give you other instructions to help keep your symptoms from getting worse. Take your rescue medicine and call your healthcare provider or go to an emergency room.
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