Use the same peak flow meter consistently peak flow meters might take different readings, and using more than one device can confuse the results. Ask them how to understand what your peak flow scores mean. You can buy a peak flow meter at your drugstore they cost between $20.00 - $50.00.Īsk your doctor, certified respiratory educator, or pharmacist to show you how to use your peak flow meter. Taking your peak flow regularly can help you notice changes in your airflow, and can help you catch asthma flare-ups before they get out of control. Sometimes people use an asthma diary card to record their readings. Check with your asthma action plan to see if you need to make any adjustments to your daily care.ĭoctors often ask people to take peak flow readings every day and to write down their peak flow scores.That's the score you should write down and show the doctor. The best of the three scores is your actual score. Each time you test your peak flow, do three blows.Take your peak flow reading two more times. Take a deep breath, seal your lips around the mouthpiece, and blow as hard and as fast as you can into the peak flow meter.Stand up or sit up with a straight back.In general, these are the steps you can follow: To use a peak flow meter, follow the instructions on the package. Your peak flow score shows how your lungs are working at a particular time. This will make your peak flow score go down. If you have an asthma flare-up that makes your breathing tubes squeeze together, you will not be able to blow out as much air as usual. The amount of air you can blow out changes depending on how healthy your lungs are. Peak flow meters can help you keep track of how your lungs are doing over time. Your peak flow scores can help you and your doctor see if your asthma symptoms are getting better or worse. Peak flow meters give you a reading or "score" (peak expiratory flow rate, also called PEFR or PEF). It is routinely documented on a graph which predicts normal values based upon a child’s sex, height and age.Peak flow meters measure how fast you can blow air from your lungs. Peak flow is recorded in litres per minute (L/min). How is peak flow recorded and what are normal readings? the child not blowing as hard as possible. a poor seal around the mouthpiece or the tongue blocking the mouthpiece.the behaviour of children who have never performed a peak flow before or younger children who are unable to follow the directions of use (usually under 5 years of age).The accuracy of peak flow can be affected by: The correct technique must be observed in order to reduce misleading results. The highest of the three values should be recorded. Reset the marker and repeat this up to three times.The marker reading should be noted on the meter.The child should take a deep breath, seal the lips around the mouthpiece and blow out as hard and as fast as possible.
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