Peak Flow Meters: The Most Important Medical Device For Asthma Sufferers

What is a peak flow meter? 

A peak flow meter or peak flow meter (PFM) is a device used to measure the volume of air a person breathes out as a measurement of pulmonary function.  A peak flow meter is a device used in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory disorders such as asthma. This device measures the maximum amount of air a person is able to exhale in one second (PEAK).  This is often used in the treatment of asthma to determine if the patient is being exposed to too much dust or other allergens, which may be causing the symptoms.

 

How is peak flow meter used for health?

The peak flow meter is a device that is used to monitor the peak expiratory flow rate of a patient.  This is a measurement taken right after inhaling through the mouth and exhaling through the nose. In most cases, a peak flow meter helps to measure the peak expiratory flow rate of a patient for 2 to 5 minutes. The peak expiratory flow rate measures how fast a person can exhale. The more air you can exhale, the faster you can breathe. Peak flow meters have become very popular in the last few years.

The main reason for this is that they help people to monitor their peak expiratory flow rate. They have been proven to be helpful for children with asthma.  They have also been proven to be helpful for adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These are lung diseases that can make it difficult for a person to breathe. If you suffer from one of these diseases, you can buy a peak flow meter to monitor your peak expiratory flow rate.

To use a peak flow meter, you should put the device over your mouth, nose, and/or throat. You should breathe normally for at least 10 seconds. Then, you should blow out as much air as possible. You should record your peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) using a peak flow meter at the same time every day. Record your results in a daily diary. It is a good idea to start by recording your PEFR every hour, and then after one or two weeks. Continue recording your PEFR for several weeks. Do not forget to record your results when you go to bed, wake up, eat, or exercise.  Recording your results in this way can help you to identify the factors that can affect your asthma symptoms. You can use this information to take steps to reduce your exposure to the factors that make you sick.

For example, you may find that a room with poor ventilation is affecting your asthma symptoms. You can use a peak flow meter to determine which areas of your house or apartment are the most problematic.

Do I need to wash my peak flow meter regularly?

The peak flow meter should be washed before you start using it. It is a good idea to check the instructions included with it to find out how often you should wash it. it is important to note that a peak flow meter may not always work well. It may not be reliable if the sensor on the device is dirty. A peak flow meter also does not work properly if you have a cold. There are different types of peak flow meters.

What are the different types of peak flow meters?

Peak flow meters are used to measure the airflow in the lungs. There are two different kinds of peak flow meters.

• Digital peak flow meters are small devices that can be clipped to a shirt. Digital peak flow meters are also called electronic peak flow meters. These devices give two readings: PEFR and FEV 1. The PEFR number tells you how much air you can exhale. The FEV 1 number tells you how much air you can breathe out in 1 second. The two numbers give you an idea about your lung capacity.
• A mechanical peak flow meter is another type of peak flow meter. Mechanical peak flow meters are made up of two parts: A flow resistor and a flow gauge. Mechanical peak flow meters are used in hospitals. It is bigger and has a lot of different parts. The measurements are taken manually.

 How peak flow meter can be used at home?

The peak flow meter is a handheld device that is used to measure the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). This is the maximum amount of air that you can exhale in one breath. The peak flow meter can be used to monitor your asthma and to see if your asthma medication is working. 

To use the peak flow meter, you will need to blow into the mouthpiece as hard and as fast as you can. The reading on the screen will tell you your peak expiratory flow rate. It is important to follow the instructions that come with the peak flow meter.

Generally speaking, it is simple to use a peak flow meter.

To measure your peak flow:

1. Sit or stand up straight. You should do this each time for consistency.
2. Ensure the red marker is at the bottom of the meter.
3. Take a deep breath, filling your lungs completely.
4. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and close your lips tightly around it.
5. Blast the air out in a single blow as hard and as fast as possible.
6. Get your reading on the screen.
7. Repeat these steps three times.
8. The highest of these three readings is your daily peak flow.
9. Use SONMOL APP to form your asthma diary.
10. Record any symptoms you are having, like wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath or coughing and if you’ve taken your rescue/emergency medication.

Peak flow rates are commonly split into three zones.

The colors of a traffic light – green, yellow, red – represent these zones.

• Green means your peak flow rate is 80%-100% of normal.
• Yellow means it is between 50-80%.
• Red means it is less than 50%.

If you are using a peak flow meter, read your peak flow rate on a scale with three different zones. The highest number that you get will be the peak flow rate you should aim for each day. If you are having any difficulty breathing or feel like you need to take emergency medicine, your peak flow rate should be in the red zone.

If your peak flow rate is less than 80 percent of your usual rate, you should see your doctor. The best time to have a peak flow test is between 10am and 4pm. If you can’t manage to have a peak flow rate test during this time frame, ask your doctor for an extra time. If you can’t find a doctor that can take your blood pressure, ask someone else to come with you to your doctor’s office. You should have this test done once or twice a month. If your peak flow rate is over 100 percent, you should stop using the medicine and contact your doctor right away.

The highest of these three readings is your peak flow rate. Write down the highest of the three readings on a sheet of paper, calendar or in your asthma diary. Record any symptoms you are having, like wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath or coughing and if you’ve taken your rescue/emergency medication.

 Conclusion: Peak flow meters in home are essential

• A peak flow meter is an essential tool for asthmatics. Knowing your peak flow levels will help you monitor the severity of your asthma and can be used as a valuable tool when you need to see your doctor.
• Your peak flow levels can give you an idea of the effectiveness of your asthma treatment.
• Your peak flow can also be helpful to you and your doctor if you have trouble breathing because of other conditions like bronchitis or emphysema.
• If you have been prescribed an inhaler, it is very important that you keep track of your peak flow meter