A
peak flow meter is a tool that measures the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR).
The PEFR is the amount of air a person can quickly force out of their lungs in
one breath.
People primarily use PEFR
measurements as a guide for managing asthma symptoms.
However, doctors may also
recommend peak flow measurements for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD) to determine an increase in symptoms.
This article looks at how
peak flow meters work, their benefits, and how to use them.
How do peak flow
meters work?
To use a peak flow meter,
a person must forcefully blow into the device. The meter measures the forced
air in liters per minute.
The indicator on the
device moves in response to the exhalation and provides a reading on a numbered
scale.
Recording peak flow
measurements is a part of asthma action plans to help treat the condition. A
peak flow meter is useful in detecting changes in a person's airway, which
could indicate a worsening of symptoms of asthma.
Why use a peak flow
meter for asthma?
People with asthma may
develop narrowing of the airways, which lowers the amount of air they can
exhale. The PEFR often changes in response to a flare-up of asthma. Weather,
exposure to allergens, and infection can all lead to a change in a person's
asthma.
Regular monitoring with a
peak flow meter can help a person detect changes in their airways before other
symptoms start. In some cases, a decrease in PEFR is the only sign of an
impending asthma attack.
A 2012 study involved 53 people with asthma who
recorded their symptoms and peak flow measurements twice daily for 274 days.
Researchers analyzed the relationship between changes in peak flow measurements
and the participants' asthma symptoms.
The researchers found
that some people incorrectly perceived their symptoms as mild, even if they had
significant airway obstruction. The study also indicated that people with
poorly controlled asthma had fluctuations in PEFR even without reported asthma
symptoms.
Recognizing the signs of
an asthma attack through peak flow monitoring, and following an asthma action
plan, can prevent symptoms from becoming severe. A gradual decline in PEFR over
time can also indicate a decrease in lung function and help a doctor modify an
asthma treatment plan.
Using a peak flow
meter for COPD
Along with its uses for
asthma, a peak flow meter can also be helpful with other lung conditions, such
as COPD. People with COPD may also develop narrowing of the airways and inflammation.
By monitoring their PEFR,
people with COPD can determine what is normal for them. Just as with asthma,
when there is a significant decrease in the peak flow, this is a red flag that
something might be triggering an increase in COPD symptoms.
How to use a peak
flow meter
It is vital to use a peak
flow meter properly and put forth a good effort to get an accurate measurement.
Peak flow meters have slightly different designs depending on the manufacturer,
but they all require the same procedure.
People should take a peak
flow measurement while standing up. To use a peak flow meter, follow these
steps:
1.
Make sure that the
indicator or pointer is set to zero.
2.
Take a deep breath.
3.
Put the flow meter in the
mouth with the tongue down, out of the way of the mouthpiece, and close the
lips around the mouthpiece.
4.
Blow out hard and fast.
The indicator will move in response to the exhalation.
5.
Check the number on the
scale next to the pointer or indicator. This is the peak expiratory flow.
6.
Move the indicator back
to zero and repeat twice more.
7.
Record the best of the
three attempts in a chart or notebook.
8.
Measure the peak flow at
the same time each day for a few weeks to determine personal best.
What do the results
mean?
Peak flow predictions
vary based on a person's sex, age, and height. However, it is more important
for a person to determine their personal best, or what is "normal"
for them.
According to the Asthma and
Allergy Foundation of American, people can determine their personal
best by using the device daily for a few weeks and recording the highest number
they can reach.
Once a person knows their
personal best, they can determine whether or not their peak flow changes. The
results of a peak flow may indicate different things depending on whether the
measurement improved, worsened, or stayed the same.
Changes in peak flow may
indicate the following:
·
the need to get emergency
medical care
·
a flare-up of asthma
symptoms
·
the medication is
effective
·
a person has well
controlled asthma
·
a need to change daily
medication
Source: Medical News Today
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