How do you record a peak flow meter?

How Do I Use a Peak Flow Meter?

Place the indicator at the base of the numbered scale.
Stand up.
Take a deep breath.
Place the meter in your mouth between your teeth and close your lips around the mouthpiece.
Blow out as hard and fast as you can in a single blow.
Write down the number you get.

Likewise, people ask, what is a good reading on a peak flow meter?

Green Zone: 80 to 100 percent of the usual or normal peak flow readings are clear. A peak flow reading in the green zone indicates that the lung function management is under good control. Yellow Zone: 50 to 79 percent of the usual or normal peak flow readings indicates caution.

Secondly, what is a normal peak flow rate? A "normal" peak flow rate is based on a person's age, height, sex and race. A standardized "normal" may be obtained from a chart comparing the person with asthma to a population without breathing problems. A patient can figure out what is normal for them, based on their own peak flow rate.

Also know, how do you record peak flow?

Peak flow diary

Put the marker to zero.
Take a deep breath.
Seal your lips around the mouthpiece.
Blow as hard and as fast as you can into the device.
Note the reading.
Repeat three times.

How does a peak flow meter work?

The peak flow meter works by measuring how fast air comes out of the lungs when you exhale forcefully after inhaling fully. This measure is called a "peak expiratory flow," or "PEF." Keeping track of your PEF, is one way you can know if your symptoms of asthma are in control or worsening.

33 Related Question Answers Found

Is 400 a good peak flow?

A normal peak flow will vary according to height, age and gender. Adults should achieve readings of 400 to 700 litres per minute, with men generally higher. Readings tend to be lower in the morning and will be affected by how recently the person has taken his or her inhaler to expand the airways.

What is a bad peak flow reading?

Flow rate lessens when the airways are blocked. If you notice a significant fall in your peak flow speed, it may be caused by a flare-up in your lung disease. People with asthma may experience low peak flow rates before they develop breathing symptoms.

What is a normal peak flow reading in adults?

A normal peak flow will vary according to height, age and gender. Adults should achieve readings of 400 to 700 litres per minute, with men generally higher. Readings tend to be lower in the morning and will be affected by how recently the person has taken his or her inhaler to expand the airways.

What's a good peak flow number?

Men can have peak flow values as low as 100 liters/minute less than the average value shown and still fall within the normal range. Women can have peak flow values as low as 80 liters/minute less than the average value shown and still fall within the normal range.

Can a peak flow meter be used for COPD?

Using a peak flow meter for COPD

Along with its uses for asthma, a peak flow meter can also be helpful with other lung conditions, such as COPD. People with COPD may also develop narrowing of the airways and inflammation. By monitoring their PEFR, people with COPD can determine what is normal for them.

What is a good spirometer reading?

The Measured column represents the total volume exhaled during the first second, in liters. Normal values in healthy males aged 20-60 range from 4.5 to 3.5 liters, and normal values for females aged 20-60 range from 3.25 to 2.5 liters.

How can I check my lungs at home?

A home lung function test uses a peak flow meter or a home spirometer to monitor and evaluate any breathing problems you may have on a day-to-day basis. A peak flow meter allows you to measure your peak expiratory flow. A home spirometer allows you to measure your forced expiratory volume at 1 second (FEV1).

What should my peak flow be with asthma?

Write down your peak flow number in your asthma diary every day. A decrease in peak flow of 20 to 30 percent of your personal best may mean the start of an asthma episode. Your Asthma Action Plan may tell you to take your peak flow reading more often and to adjust your medicines. Use only one meter.

How do I check my peak flow at home?

How to Measure Peak Flow

Move the marker to the bottom of the numbered scale.
Stand up straight.
Take a deep breath.
Hold your breath while you place the mouthpiece in your mouth, between your teeth.
Blow out as hard and fast as you can in a single blow.
Write down the number you get.

What affects peak flow?

By means of a simple questionnaire and measurements of height, weight, and peak expiratory flow rates 3061 children from city and rural populations were studied. Children with asthma or other respiratory diseases had lower peak expiratory flow rates, and younger children living in rural areas had higher rates.

What does high peak flow mean?

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. Credit: SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY. A peak flow test involves blowing as hard as you can into a small handheld device called a peak flow meter.

What is Asthma Action Plan?

An asthma action plan (or management plan) is a written plan that you create with your child's doctor to help control your child's asthma. The goal of an asthma action plan is to reduce or prevent flare-ups and emergency department visits.

What is the difference between spirometry and peak flow meter?

A peak flow test is done with a peak flow meter. It measures the maximum (or peak) speed at which you can blow air out. However, a peak flow test cannot be used to confirm whether you have asthma — this is what a spirometer is used for (see Spirometry breathing tests).

What is diurnal variation asthma?

Diurnal variability of peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) greater than 20% for at least three days in a week for two weeks is typical of asthma; or. Improvement in PEF: 10 minutes after high-dose bronchodilator through a spacer.

How can asthma be diagnosed?

The two most common lung function tests used to diagnose asthma are spirometry, exhaled nitric oxide and challenge tests. Spirometry — This is a simple breathing test that measures how much and how fast you can blow air out of your lungs. It is often used to determine the amount of airway obstruction you have.

How do you read a peak flow reading?

What is peak flow measurement?

Green . This means “go.” The green zone is 80% to 100% of your highest peak flow reading, or personal best.
Yellow. This means “caution” or “slow down.” The yellow zone is 50% to 80% of your personal best.
Red. This means “stop.” The red zone is less than 50% of your personal best.

How do you clean a peak flow meter?

Follow the manufacturer's instructions to clean your peak flow meter. In general, you should wash your peak flow meter in warm soapy water. Rinse it gently in clear water, then let it air dry. If you have a virus (cold, flu, etc), wash your peak flow meter after every use.