Back to Health A to Z. Peak flow is a simple measurement of how quickly you can blow air out of your lungs. It's often used to help diagnose and monitor asthma. A peak flow test involves blowing as hard as you can into a small handheld device called a peak flow meter. By measuring how fast you're able to breathe out, your peak flow score can indicate whether your airways are narrowed.
This could be a sign that you have asthma , although other tests such as spirometry will often be needed to confirm the diagnosis. If you've already been diagnosed with asthma, measuring your peak flow regularly can be a useful way of monitoring your condition. If your asthma is mild or you do not use daily medication, a peak flow meter may not be useful for your asthma management.
Schools may request a peak flow meter for your child so they can help monitor your child's asthma symptoms. Peak flow meter measurements can help your healthcare provider make decisions about your treatment and adjust your medicines, and the measurements also can alert you when your asthma symptoms are worsening. Asthma sometimes changes gradually.
Your peak flow may show those changes before you feel them. Peak flow readings can show you when to start following the steps on your asthma action plan that you developed with your healthcare provider. It can help you determine the severity of the episode; decide when to use your rescue medicine; and decide when to seek emergency care.
A peak flow meter may help you and your healthcare provider identify causes of your asthma at work, home or play, and it can help parents determine what might be triggering their child's asthma.
Step 1 : Before each use, make sure the sliding marker or arrow on the Peak Flow Meter is at the bottom of the numbered scale zero or the lowest number on the scale. Step 2 : Stand up straight. Remove gum or any food from your mouth. Take a deep breath as deep as you can. Put the mouthpiece of the peak flow meter into your mouth. Close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece. Be sure to keep your tongue away from the mouthpiece.
In one breath, blow out as hard and as quickly as possible. Instead of slowly blowing, blow a fast, hard blast until you have emptied out nearly all of the air from your lungs. Step 3 : The force of the air coming out of your lungs causes the marker to move along the numbered scale. Note the number on a piece of paper.
Step 4 : Repeat the entire routine three times. You know you have done the routine correctly when the numbers from all three tries are very close together. Step 5 : Record the highest of the three ratings. Do not calculate an average. This is very important. You can't breathe out too much when using your peak flow meter but you can breathe out too little.
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. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Related Asthma Asthma attack. Call your doctor immediately if your peak flow number does not return to the yellow or green zone and stay in that zone. If you cannot reach your doctor and your peak flow stays in the red zone, go directly to the emergency room. Your Asthma Action Plan should provide clear instructions. A peak flow reading will only be as good as your effort.
Numbers can be artificially high with tongue thrusts or spitting. Or they may be artificially low due to not enough effort or poor technique.
Medical Review December Asthma Peak Flow Meters A peak flow meter is a handheld device that measures how well air moves out of your lungs. A peak flow meter can also help you and your doctor: Decide if your Asthma Action Plan is working well Decide when to add, increase or even stop a medicine Decide when to seek emergency care Identify triggers things that cause asthma symptoms Better understand and talk about your asthma.
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