When you take readings on your meter, compare them with the zone numbers, so you know which zone you’re in.įrequently asked questions Can my young child use a peak flow meter?Ĭhildren as young as 4 or 5 years may be able to use a peak flow meter, if they’re at least 43 inches tall. These ranges are determined by your personal peak flow rate. Peak flow zones have a specific numerical range. This will include establishing your personal peak flow zones. Once you’ve determined your personal best peak flow number, you and your doctor can establish a game plan for using the meter and data it provides. Changes in this number can alert you that your condition is worsening or that a change in your treatment plan is needed. Knowing your personal best peak flow number is essential for controlling asthma. This may be first thing in the morning, before you use asthma medication, and once again in the afternoon or evening.
To get your personal best peak flow number, your doctor will have you use the meter at least twice a day. This number is important, because it indicates how well you’re able to breathe when your airways are clear and have no asthmatic symptoms. Your personal best is the highest monitor reading you record during this timeframe. This will provide information about your baseline readings and personal best peak flow number. When you first get a peak flow meter, your doctor may recommend you use it several times daily over a period of 2 to 3 weeks.
With your medications: Your doctor may suggest using your meter right before and after you use medications, such as a rescue inhaler (inhaled albuterol).If you have an acute respiratory illness: If you have a cold, flu, or other respiratory condition, you might use your peak flow meter more often.When symptoms happen: If your symptoms wake you up from sleeping or occur at specific times of the day, use your peak flow meter when symptoms occur.You may also benefit from taking readings several times per day, such as first thing in the morning and right before bed. When you’re getting your asthma symptoms under control: If your asthma is not well controlled, you might take peak flow readings at least once daily, at the same time each day.When your asthma is well-controlled: If your asthma is under control, you may decide to only use your peak flow meter when your symptoms increase or when you experience triggers, such as breathing in cold, dry air.You may also wish to write down your readings manually in a notebook.īased on your readings, follow your doctor’s instructions on exercise and medication use. Some peak flow meters come with a graph or chart you can use to record your reading numbers. Make sure to slide the indicator down to the bottom before taking each additional reading.Ĭhart your highest reading of the three, along with the date, time, and any other significant information. After your first reading has been recorded, repeat the entire process two more times.The peak flow meter’s indicator will move up the device to a number.
Hold your tongue down inside your mouth and quickly blow out one long breath as forcefully as you can.Make a tight seal around the mouthpiece with your lips.Hold the peak flow meter by its handle.Make sure the peak flow meter’s indicator is set to the bottom of the scale.In general, these are the steps you can expect to take when using a peak flow meter: Share on Pinterest Illustration by Bailey Mariner Take three readings If your numbers decline, it can alert you that your airways have narrowed before you have asthmatic symptoms.Ī peak flow meter can also help you and your doctor determine if your current treatment protocol is effective or needs to be changed. Keeping track of your readings can provide information that your asthma is getting worse or that a flare is coming. It can also help signal a change in a respiratory condition, such as COPD. An indicator on the meter moves in response to the force of your breath to a spot along a numbered scale.Ĭonsistent use of a peak flow meter can help you keep track of how well asthma is being controlled. The meter measures the force you expel air in liters per minute (L/m). Peak flow meters have a mouthpiece you forcefully blow into with one powerful breath. Your doctor may recommend using a peak flow meter daily or several times a day, as part of a personalized asthma action plan for managing symptoms. PEFR is the maximum speed you’re able to use when blowing air out of your lungs. They’re usually used by people with asthma to measure peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR or peak flow).
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