Control Asthma Before It Controls You

Using a Peak Flow Meter

May 6, 2009 Jacqueline Trovato

If you have asthma it may sometimes feel like your life is out of control. Asthma symptoms may worsen suddenly and catch you off guard.

Peak flow monitoring can take the mystery out of managing asthma. A peak flow meter is a small, portable, hand-held device that you use to measure how well air moves out of your lungs. This is called your peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR).

Because your PEFR usually drops before you experience asthma symptoms, taking this measurement will help you know when problems are beginning. It will also allow you and your doctor to develop a good treatment plan for you. By giving your doctor your peak flow readings he or she can better guide you in the use of medicines you take on a daily basis.

Ask Your Doctor About Peak Flow Monitoring

There are a number of peak flow meters on the market. Your doctor can give you information on where to purchase one and instructions on how to use it. He or she will also help you determine your “personal best” peak flow reading. This is the rate against which you will compare all future peak flow scores. By comparing your daily score to your personal best score, you and your doctor can determine the condition of your airways and if any changes in your treatment plan are needed.

Your peak flow meter will come with a diary designed to help you record your readings. Your doctor can show you how to use this diary to record asthma symptoms and the medicines you are taking. Be sure to bring your peak flow diary with you each time you visit your doctor.

Peak Flow Measurements for Children

Peak flow meters are especially useful for parents of children with asthma. It can often be difficult to tell when your child’s asthma is getting worse. Many children won’t complain about their breathing problems until their asthma has gotten out of control. By taking your child’s peak flow readings, you’ll be able to tell if your child’s breathing is getting worse many times before your child actually experiences symptoms.

Controlling asthma requires teamwork between you, your child, your child’s doctor and those people who are part of your child’s day-to-day life. Ask your doctor to help by developing an individualized asthma management plan to use with your peak flow meter and anaction planfor your child

Using a peak flow meter will take the guess work out of the day-to-day asthma management for you and for your child.

Online Resources

The American College of Allergy and Immunology

One Minute Asthma/Pedipress

The copyright of the article Control Asthma Before It Controls You in General Medicine is owned by Jacqueline Trovato. Permission to republish Control Asthma Before It Controls You in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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