A peak flow meter helps you check how well your asthma is controlled. Use it every day, and keep track of the results to help your doctor learn about your asthma. This may also help you determine if your asthma is getting worse, even before you have symptoms. |
First, push the indicator to the bottom of the scale. |
Stand up straight. Take a deep breath, breathing in as much as you can. |
Place the mouthpiece in your mouth, between your teeth. Close your lips around it. Do not put your tongue inside the hole or block the vents in the back. |
Blow out as hard and fast as you can. You want to move the marker as far as you can with your breath, so concentrate on exhaling forcefully and quickly. |
Move the marker back to the bottom, and repeat these steps 2 more times. If you cough or make a mistake, do not include this as one of your 3 tries. Record the highest of the three numbers in your peak flow diary. |
Check which zone corresponds with your highest score. Follow the plan developed by you and your doctor for the appropriate zone. If your best effort is in the red zone, take your relief medication immediately and call your doctor or go to the emergency room. |
Review Date:
6/29/2012
Reviewed By:
Allen J. Blaivas, DO, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine UMDNJ-NJMS, Attending Physician in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Veteran Affairs, VA New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Previoulsy reviewed by David A. Kaufman, MD, Section Chief, Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Bridgeport Hospital-Yale New Haven Health System, and Assistant Clinical Professor, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. (6/1/2010)
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