How To Use A Peak Flow Meter

What is it?

• A peak flow meter is a small hand-held device that measures how well your lungs are working. This meter is used to check your asthma. Your expiratory (x-PIE-ruh-tor-e) peak flow rate is measured when you use a peak flow meter. This is the flow of air when you take a deep breath and blow as hard as you can.
  
  
• You may need to use a peak flow meter if you take asthma medicine every day. Children who are 5 years or older can also learn how to use a peak flow meter.

Why should I use a peak flow meter?

• Using the peak flow meter correctly will help you better monitor and manage your asthma. The peak flow meter can show if there is narrowing in your airways days before you have asthma symptoms. You and your caregiver will work together closely to learn what peak flow numbers are normal for you. You will also learn what you need to do when your numbers decrease.
  
  
• Measuring your peak flow every day and writing the number in a notebook can help you notice early asthma symptoms. When you make your notebook, you will need spaces to note the date and time of day for two readings.
  
  
• Your peak flow number may decrease within hours or a few days before an asthma attack. You may notice this decrease when you compare daily peak flow readings in your notebook.
  
  
• A peak flow meter may also help you learn what may trigger your asthma, like pollens or molds. The peak flow number may tell you and your caregiver if your asthma medicine treatment plan is working. It may also tell caregivers if medicine should be stopped or added. Your peak flow number may tell you if you should see caregivers right away.

How do I use a peak flow meter?

There are many kinds of peak flow meters. Talk to your caregiver to decide which is best for you. Your caregiver will also tell you where you can buy the meter. Buy a notebook to record your peak flow values. Following are steps to help you use your peak flow meter:

• Slide the indicator tab to the bottom of the numbered scale on your peak flow meter.
  
  
• Stand up straight.
  
  
• Remove gum or any food from your mouth.
  
  
• Take a deep breath.
  
  
• Put the meter into your mouth and close your lips around the mouthpiece. Do not put your tongue over the hole.
  
  
• In one breath, blow as hard as you can into the mouthpiece.
  
  
• Look at the numbered scale. On a piece of paper, write down the number where the sliding indicator tab stopped.
  
  
• Repeat all the steps above 2 more times. Write down the numbers each time.
  
  
• Write the highest of the 3 numbers in your notebook.
  
  
• Measure your peak flow rate twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.

What is my personal best peak flow number?

It is important to find your personal best peak flow number. This is the highest peak flow number you have had over a two week period during good asthma control. Your personal best peak flow number helps caregivers develop an asthma medicine plan for you. Following are steps to help you find your personal best peak flow number.

• Take your peak flow reading twice a day for two weeks, or the length of time your caregiver tells you to.
  
  
• Your caregiver may also want you to check your peak flow numbers at other times. This will help get your personal best peak flow number.
  
  
• Make sure to put each highest reading in your notebook.

What is the peak flow zone system?

Many caregivers like to use the peak flow zone system to manage asthma. Peak flow numbers are put into zones that are like the colors of a traffic light. Find your personal best peak flow number. Your caregiver will give you numbers in each zone for your asthma. This helps you know what to do when your peak flow number changes.

• Green Zone. This means that your asthma is in good control and that you have no asthma symptoms. You do not need to change your medicines.
  
  
• Yellow Zone. This means to use caution. In this zone, you should be watchful for an asthma attack. It may also mean that your asthma is not completely under control. Caregivers may need to change your medicines or other treatments.
  
  
• Red Zone. This zone means danger and may be an emergency. You may need to see caregivers right away. Call your caregivers and follow their instructions if you are in this zone.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan you must learn how to use a peak flow meter. You can then discuss asthma treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care will be used to treat your asthma. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.