The peak flow meter is a small device that helps a patient regularly monitor their own condition by measuring lung function such as peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR).
PEFR provides a numerical value of how well the airways in the lung are open, and thus, provides physicians with an idea of how effective the medication is and corollary the severity of the disease.
How important is it to use a peak flow meter? The answer-very. The National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) recommends that people with moderate to severe persistent asthma have a peak flow meter at home and know how to use it.
Before we move on to the “how’s,” please allow me to briefly summarize when a patient should use their peak flow meter. It should be used to:
- regularly monitor lung function and response-to-therapy
- determine the severity of an asthma attack
- assess response to treatment during an attackNow that you have a general understanding of the what’s, why’s, and when’s, let us proceed to the how’s below.
1. The peak flow meter should read zero or its lowest reading when not in use. Use the peak flow meter while standing up straight. Take in as deep of a breath as possible.
2. The peak flow meter should read zero or its lowest reading when not in use. Use the peak flow meter while standing up straight. Take in as deep of a breath as possible.
3. Blow out as hard and fast as possible; do not throw the head forward while blowing out. Breathe a few normal breaths and then repeat the process two more times. Write down the highest number obtained. Do not average the numbers.
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