Peak flow meter trial#
Peak flow meter series#

Yellow zone refers to 50-80% of normal peak flow and cautions that asthma is getting worse.Green zone refers to 80-100% of normal peak flow and usually indicates good control of asthma.There are 3 peak flow zones, the colors of which are based on the colors in a traffic light. Peak flow zones are based on the personal best peak flow number and help monitor and control asthma with timely treatment. Study reveals a spike in hospital readmissions for pediatric asthma.

Peak flow meter trial#

NIH sponsors the trial of monoclonal antibody to prevent asthma exacerbations in urban youth.Allergic asthma, allergies may be associated with the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Personal best peak flow number keeps changing over time. One’s personal best would be the highest peak flow number recorded during a 2 to 3 week period. Write down the number shown during each peak flow reading.

Peak flow should be measured at the same time every day. This is best done during a period when asthma is under control and asthma symptoms are not present. In order to find the personal best peak flow number, peak flow measurements need to be done every 2 to 3 weeks. The aim of peak flow measurement is to find one’s personal best peak flow number. See the treatment plan for appropriate measures to take while in each zone.Check the peak flow zone corresponding to the peak flow number.Repeat the above steps a couple of times and write down the highest of the three readings.Blow out air from your lungs as fast as you can.Put the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips.Take a deep breath and fill your lungs up.Slide the marker down to the bottom of the numbered scale.The steps involved in using a peak flow meter are outlined below: Spirometers are particularly useful in the diagnosis of diseases such as COPD where the disease remains largely asymptomatic until lung capacity has been irreversibly compromised.Peak Flow Meter Play Taking Peak Flow Reading Through the assessment of inspiratory and/or expiratory flows, a spirometer can help detect not only the type of respiratory disease (if any) present, but also the degree to which the disease has progressed. Related article: What Should My Peak Flow Be? SpirometerĪ spirometer is a more advanced device that measures a wider range of lung function metrics including PEF and also Forced Expiration Volume over 1 second (FEV1), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), some also measure Inspiration Capacity (IC). You can then use this baseline to judge for any irregularities in condition.īenefits of a peak flow meter vs spirometer:

Peak flow meter series#

The best way to set the baseline is to do a series of daily tests, for 2/3 weeks when you are feeling well. It is important that patients consult their doctor about what their personal best PEF is, or should be, to provide a point of reference for PEF tracking in disease management. PEF testing can be performed as a means of early detection of potential asthma attacks, when they feel their symptoms are becoming worse or to help decide whether rescue medication is necessary. People with asthma use PEF monitoring to help manage their asthma. This is a measure of the speed at which you can exhale air from your lungs. Patients can now perform spirometry outside of the clinic and get clinical-grade results to be instantly shared with their care team (carer/doctor).Ī peak flow meter is a straight forward device that measures a users Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF). Smart spirometers and smart peak flow meters are now well established for use in clinical settings but also for use outside the clinic. There are many devices used to monitor/diagnose lung health but peak flow meters and spirometers are the most common for people with asthma and or COPD. Both are used to diagnose a patients condition. These results interpret two things: the power your lungs can generate and the volume of air your lungs can hold. It requires you to blow into a tube and the doctor analyses the results. This test is normally performed in a doctor's office. Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) is an area of respiratory care and diagnostics.