|
Asthma |
|
|
|
Asthma Treatments
|
|
|
|
 |
How Do I Use a Peak Flow Meter? |
|
|
As part of your asthma action plan, your disease management nurse will teach you to use a peak flow meter. Your "peak flow" is how fast you can push air out of your lungs. Monitoring your peak flow can:
|
|
- Help you see how well your written asthma action plan is working, and whether it needs to be modified.
- Tell you that an asthma episode may occur soon.
- Show you when to use medication.
- Help you know when to call your doctor.
- Help you decide whether to go to the doctor, the emergency room or call 911.
|
|
Follow these easy steps to use a peak flow meter:
|
|
- Move the peak flow meter’s marker to “O” or the lowest number on the scale.
- Stand up or sit up straight.
- Take a deep breath.
- Close your lips around the meter’s mouthpiece, making sure your tongue does not block the opening.
- Blow into the mouthpiece as hard and fast as you can.
- Write down the number that shows on the scale.
- Repeat steps 1-6 two more times.
- Write down the highest of the three numbers in your peak flow diary. This is your peak flow number.
|
|
To find your ideal or personal best (PB) peak flow number do the following for 2 weeks:
|
|
- Take peak flow readings when you wake up and before you go to sleep.
- Take peak flow readings before and after you take your inhaled medication.
- Keep track of the results and share them with your disease management nurse and your doctor. The highest number you reach during the 2-week period is your personal best peak flow number.
|
|
Source: American Lung Association
and Mayo Clinic
|
