What Does a Peak Flow Meter Measure?

A peak flow meter allows you to measure your ability to breathe. It provides you information about how well you're breathing but also helps to predict when an asthma episode is approaching. By using a peak flow meter on a regular basis, and using medication treatment plan prescribed by your doctor, you can prevent asthma flares from occurring.

What Is a Peak Flow Meter?

A peak flow meter is a hand-held, portable medical device that you blow into to measure the openness of your airways. When you blow into the peak flow meter, numbered scale on the meter indicates your peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). A booklet accompanies the meter that tells you what measurement is normal for someone of your age, gender, weight and height. With the help of your doctor you should determine your "personal best" PEFR, the rate you will strive for.

A peak-flow meter is a must for people with asthma. And for children with asthma, it helps parents determine how their child is breathing. There are many of peak flow meters available on the market. Your doctor can tell you where and how to purchase a meter.

Peak Flow Zones

A three-color zone method helps you to categorize your peak flow readings and understand what you should do in each color zone. Your doctor should prepare a customized medication and treatment plan for you based on the three zones.

The Green Zone: PEFR is between 80% and 100% of your personal best. You are breathing well and likely free of any asthma symptoms.

The Yellow Zone: PEFR is between 50% and 80% of your personal best. An asthma episode is approaching and it's important to contact your doctor as asthma medicines may need to be increased.

The Red Zone: PEFR is below 50% of your personal best. An asthma emergency is about to occur. Call the doctor immediately! A bronchodilator medicine may be needed at this point to help you breathe. You may need to go to see your doctor or go to the emergency room.

The Peak Flow Diary

Peak flow meters all come with a diary that you use to record your peak flow readings. Be sure to record any asthma symptoms you are experiencing and bring this information to your next doctor appointment. This information will help your doctor determine if a change in your medication plan is needed.

Peak Flow for Adults

Adults with asthma you may have become used to the way you're breathing, even if it is not acceptable. Because of this, you're sometimes not able to recognize when an asthma flare is approaching. Using a peak flow meter will give you an accurate reading and help you stop asthma before it gets serious.

Peak Flow for Children

The peak flow meter is an indispensible tool for any parent of a child with asthma. It will tell you when your child is having trouble breathing and take the fear out of dealing with asthma.

The peak flow meter should be sent with your child to school or other activities. If you're concerned that your child's breathing may be compromised, the school nurse, teacher or coach can take a peak flow reading and call you with the measurement. You'll then be able to tell them if your child needs to use his medicine. Your baby sitter or day care provider should also be told how to use a peak flow meter with your child.

A peak flow meter will also help you make decisions about whether or not to let your child can participate in an activity without concern. With the medication plan prepared by your doctor, you'll know when and how much

Good asthma control and peace of mind are possible with the use of tools like a peak flow meter. Talk to your doctor about getting one today.

References

• National Heart Lung and Blood Institute--Lung Function Tests
• American Academy of Allergy and Immunology---Peak Flow Meters