Asthma: Measuring peak flow
How do I measure my peak expiratory flow?
If you have never used a peak flow meter, talk with your health professional about how to use it correctly, and then practice using it.
Measure your PEF routinely. Check your breathing regularly, even if you are feeling good. PEF is lowest in the early morning and highest in the afternoon. When you measure your PEF once a day, it needs to be done first thing in the morning before you use your asthma medicine.
It's very important to record the results of your PEF measurements in your asthma diary. This will help you measure changes in your breathing. Take your asthma diary with you when you see your health professional so you can review it together. It's very important to review the diary with your health professional whenever you feel your lung function is getting worse.
How to measure your peak expiratory flow
Remove any gum or food you may have in your mouth. View a slideshow of how to measure your peak expiratory flow
. Repeat the steps two more times. After you have blown into the meter three times, take the highest number you received, and write it in your asthma diary or on another record sheet.
If you cough or make a mistake during the testing, do the test over.
Different brands of meters may give different values for results. If you change meters, you will need to determine your asthma zones using the new meter.
Note: If your best effort is in your red zone, take your relief medication immediately and call your doctor or go to the emergency room.
Test Your Knowledge
When you measure your PEF once a day, it needs to be done first thing in the morning before you use your asthma medicine.
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| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS | Last Updated: March 20, 2009 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Harold S. Nelson, MD - Allergy and Immunology | |
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