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With bated breath
Your airways are like tiny wind tunnels. When they're clear and wide open, it's easy to breathe. If they become closed-up or restricted, it's not. How fast and easily air moves out of your lungs is an indicator of the health of your airways. Peak flow meters are used to quickly check your lung functions. You just take a big breath and blow as hard and forcefully as possible. This test of airflow capacity is a vital tool in the management of asthma. A poor airflow due to a narrowing or blockage of the airways is also indicative of emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Color-coded readings let you know if you're in the normal zone or headed for danger.
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Peak Flow Monitors are Important Respiratory Management Tools
Measuring lung function aids in the management (not treatment) of asthma and other respiratory diseases. Peak flow monitors are very simple and portable at-home devices.
A peak expiratory flow monitor measures the peak expiratory flow rate, or PEFR. This is a measure of the amount of air taken into your lungs when drawing a deep breath and how quickly you can expel that breath. A PEFR test can detect blocked or narrow airway passages even before they begin to significantly affect your breathing. Even if you can breathe well presently, this does not mean that your airways are completely clear. Restricted breathing could be imminent. You can manage your respiratory ailment by seeking preventive treatment based on your PEFR results.
Accuracy of a peak flow monitor depends on your method and timing. Because treatment decisions are made on the basis of peak flow measurements, it is highly advisable that you receive training from a healthcare professional on how to accurately perform a peak flow test and determine your personal best.
Determining a Personal Best
At your personal best level, you should feel good and should not experience respiratory difficulty. You will use your peak flow meter for two to three weeks, at the same time once a day in the morning or twice a day morning and night before bronchodilator therapy. The highest of these readings will determine your personal best peak expiratory flow rate. Your personal best is affected by your height, weight, and sex. Personal best readings will also change as children grow and as diseases progress, so they need to be re-determined occasionally.
Finding a Peak Flow Monitor
There are many products on the market and because the technology is simple, costs are relatively low.
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What Is a Peak Flow Monitor?
- Peak flow monitors are used to measure lung function. Treatment decisions are made based on this relatively simple test.
How Does a Peak Flow Monitor Test Lung Function?
- Peak flow monitors measure the force with which you are able to expel a breath from your lungs.
Pre-Test Precautions
- Avoid eating a large meal before taking the test.
- Remove any food or gum from your mouth.
- Peak flow meters are suggested for patients age 5 and older.
- Peak flow meters can sometimes be used on children as young as age 3. Consult a physician in this case.
- Make sure your peak flow meter is clean. Debris in the meter can produce inaccurate readings.
Performing the Test
- Make sure the marker or arrow is at the zero or bottom position before beginning the test.
- Stand up straight.
- Take as deep a breath as you can.
- Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips tightly. Keep your tongue away from it. Make sure you hold the mouthpiece horizontally.
- Blow fast and hard until you have emptied all the air out of your lungs. The force of your breath will move the marker.
- Note the number.
- Repeat three times. The closer the readings, the more accurate.
- Record the highest of the three readings. Do not average your readings.
Determining a Personal Best
At your personal best level, you should feel good and should not experience respiratory difficulty. You will use your peak flow meter for two to three weeks, at the same time once a day in the morning or twice a day morning and night before bronchodilator therapy. The highest of these readings will determine your personal best peak expiratory flow rate. Your personal best is affected by your height, weight, and sex. These readings will also change as children grow and as diseases progress, so they need to be re-determined occasionally.
What the Results Mean
- You can use your peak flow meter to predict an imminent asthma attack. If you feel the signs of an attack approaching, determine your present peak flow rate. If this rate is more than 20% different than your personal best, your breathing function is impaired. Follow your doctor's orders for self-medicating. If lung function continues to be impaired, seek medical attention.
- Keep a chart of your daily peak flow readings and share it with your doctor. Monitoring your peak flow rates helps your doctor determine the progression of your disease.
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Peak Flow Meters Are Monitoring Devices Only
- If your peak flow rates falls within the red zone, contact your doctor immediately. This signals a medical alert.
- Peak flow meters do not treat respiratory ailments. They are to be used as an aid in determining the effectiveness of treatment and medication.
- Your personal best result should be re-evaluated annually to account for growth and changes in condition.
- Clean your peak flow meter using a mild detergent and hot water. They can harbor bacteria and viruses if not washed properly.
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Websites, Organizations & Manufacturers
Sources & Further Reading
Books
- 1. American Medical Association.The American Medical Association: Guide to your family's symptoms. Washington, D.C.: American Pharmaceutical Association 1992.
- 2. Fauci, Anthony S. et al. Eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 14th ed. New York: MacGraw Hill 1998.
- 3. Segen, Joseph, and Joseph Stauffer.The Patient's Guide to Medical Tests: Everything you need to know about the tests your doctor prescribes. New York: Facts on File 1998.
- 4. Zaret, Barry L. Et al. The Yale University School of Medicine Patient's Guide to Medical Tests. New York: Houghton Mifflin 1997.
Find more books on health and wellness at  barnesandnoble.com.
Articles
- 1. Tien, Linda."For many, home is where the test is, but not all tests are created equal". Star Tribune; 8/13/1995.
- 2. MacDonald, Sue."Testing your health at home". Gannett News Service; 8/8/1996.
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