A peak flow meter is a handheld device that measures the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), or how much air you can forcibly push out of your lungs at a particular time.
Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) is the number value given after the patient takes the deepest breath possible and blows into a peak flow meter in a single, forceful blast. PEFR measures one aspect of airway obstruction and is an economical means of monitoring lung function at home. It is also effort-dependent, meaning that a poor effort will yield poor results.
How to Use Your Peak Flow Meter?
Included with every peak flow meter:
- A set of instructions
- A daily record (usually a chart, graph, or diary form)
- A warranty card
- A nomogram (a chart or graph of numbers reflecting normal values of the peak expiratory flow rates of people who do not have asthma)
Read the instructions that come with your peak flow meter carefully. They will explain how to operate and clean the peak flow meter, record your daily PEFR, use the nomogram, and make sure your peak flow meter is operating correctly.
Step-by-step instructions:
- Move the sliding indicator to the base of the peak flow meter.
- Stand up. Take a deep breath to fully inflate your lungs.
- Put the mouthpiece of the peak flow meter into your mouth and close your lips tightly around it.
- Now, (this is very important) with as much force as possible, blow out as quickly as you can.
- The force of your breath moves the indicator along the numbered shaft of the peak flow meter. The number opposite the indicator tells the PEFR.
- Repeat these steps two more times and keep a written record of the highest number you reach. (It is recommended that you blow three times whenever you use the peak flow meter.)
Your PEFR will improve as symptoms are better controlled. Your target, or personal best PEFR is the number you should be able to achieve when your asthma is under control. You and your doctor will establish your target PEFR and a corresponding Asthma Action Plan.
This plan should be reviewed periodically. Children’s PEFRs will change as they mature, and your physician may adjust your target PEFR as you learn to manage your asthma more effectively.
Peak Flow Zones The Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) has tried to simplify the process of computing the percentages or zones using the colors of a traffic light. You and your physician can use this information as a starting point for determining your personal zones according to your true needs.
- GREEN (80-100 percent of target PEFR) signals all clear: No asthma symptoms are present, and the routine treatment plan for maintaining control can be followed. If you take medications every day and have consistent readings in the green zone, you may want to ask your physician about reducing medications.
- YELLOW (50-80 percent of target PEFR) signals caution: An episode of asthma may be present that requires a temporary increase (step-up) in medication. Yellow may mean that your overall asthma condition is not under sufficient control, and your physician may increase your daily medications.
- RED (below 50 percent of target PEFR) signals a medical alert: A fast-acting bronchodilator should be used immediately and the physician should be notified if PEFR measures do not immediately return to and remain in the yellow or green zone.
Patient education resources from Allergy & Asthma Network
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Last updated : 6/24/2024