What Is Peak Flow?
Peak flow demonstrates how quickly you can blow air out of your lungs. The peak flow meter is marked so you can determine how much air you can blow out. The better your asthma is controlled, the more air you will be able to blow out.
When Is Peak Flow Used?
While not a good tool for diagnosing asthma, peak flow and peak flow meters are good to monitor asthma overtime. You may see declines in your peak flow prior to developing significant symptoms. This will allow you to alter your treatment regimen based on your asthma care plan.
What Do I Need to Do?
It is important to find your ‘personal best’ peak flow using your peak flow meter. In order to accomplish this, record your scores from your peak flow meter everyday for two weeks while you are well. This peak flow can then be used to guide your asthma treatment. When your asthma is poorly controlled, your peak flow will be less than your ‘personal best’ and you may also notice a slow decline in peak flow prior to developing asthma symptoms.
How Is Peak Flow Performed?
It is important for you to learn how to use your peak-flow-meter appropriately.
Sources:
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Accessed: January 1, 2009. Expert Panel Report 3 (EPR3): Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma
Clinical Pulmonary Function Testing, Exercise Testing, and Disability Evaluation. In Chest Medicine: Essentials Of Pulmonary And Critical Care Medicine. Editors: Ronald B. George, Richard W. Light, Richard A. Matthay, Michael A. Matthay. May 2005, 5th edition.
