Peak Flow Meter Instructions

Inhalers are a customary way to deliver medication.

People with asthma or other lung diseases need to be able to track their lung function. A peak flow meter is a simple tool that measures air flow from a patient's lungs. The measurement is called the peak expiratory flow rate or PEFR. The meter measures the amount of air being expelled and expresses it in liters per minute. When used properly, it is an effective way to track breathing patterns that may need medical attention.

Things You'll Need

• Peak flow meter
• Inhaler

Instructions

Using the Peak Flow Meter

1. Stand erect and position your body so that the lungs can easily expand. Move the flow indicator to its lowest position. Some scales go to zero but more commonly the lowest reading will be 100 liters per minute.

2. Take several deep breaths, exhaling with force before taking a deep breath for measurement.

3. Put the meter in your mouth, keeping your tongue out of the way, and exhale forcefully and as fast as possible. Keep your posture erect.

4. Wait a few minutes, breathing normally, and then repeat the process of several deep breaths before the forcefully exhaled breath that will be measured.

5. Repeat the process a third time, exactly as before. Record the best measurement of the three as your peak expiratory flow rate.

Establishing a Routine

1. Allow the nurse or doctor to conduct a peak flow meter test during your office visit. The meter usually will be attached to a machine and the initial peak expiratory flow measurement may become part of your permanent record. The doctor may ask you to inhale several puffs of an asthma medication. After waiting ten minutes or so, the test will be repeated to assess the drug action on lung function.

2. Use the meter daily at home according to your doctor's instructions.

3. Record at least six readings at times when your lungs are functioning normally, both in the morning and evening over a three-week period. Calculate an average for the morning and evening data separately. Expect the average morning reading to be less than the evening average.

4. Keep a permanent file of peak flow data and note treatment routines during periods of distress. Most people who use peak flow meters have lung problems that may be intermittent but recur throughout life. Keep a permanent file of your peak flow data and the treatment routines in each lung distress period. Records should include meter brand and specifications, dates, doctor, time of day, the peak meter reading for each test and the calculation of percent lung capacity.

5. Take action when needed. A system has been established to help identify when action is appropriate -- some call it the traffic light concept. When your readings are within 80 to 100 percent of your average peak flow, your personal light is green, full energy available. Your yellow caution light should come on if your readings are in the 50 to 79 percent of normal range. You may need to follow the routine established by your doctor for preventing a full asthma attach. The red light comes on when your volume is below 50 percent of normal. Red means it is time to seek medical review and treatment.

References

• Tips To Remember: Peak Flow Meter
• How to use a Peak Flow meter
• Peak Flow Meter