Peak Flow Monitoring - Track Lung Function for Respiratory Health
Peak Flow Monitoring FAQ
What is peak expiratory flow measurement?
Peak expiratory flow measurement (peak flow) is a measure of the maximal flow rate that can be achieved during forceful expiration following full inspiration. Clinicians and nurses should work in a team approach to educate the patient on the technique. [Level V]
What is peak flow measurement?
Peak flow measurement is a quick test to measure air flowing out of the lungs. The measurement is also called the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) or the peak expiratory flow (PEF). Peak flow measurement is mostly done by people who have asthma.
What is a peak flow score?
Peak flow is a measure of how quickly you can blow air out of your lungs. If you have asthma, you may sometimes have narrow airways. This will make it more difficult to blow the air out of your lungs quickly and can change your peak flow score.
Why is peak flow monitoring important?
In particular, knowing your normal peak flow rate—and detecting when you are not achieving it—can be an important part of your asthma treatment and asthma action plan. Peak flow monitoring is most often used in asthma management but is also helpful for managing emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
What is peak flow monitoring?
Peak flow monitoring is recommended for the ongoing management of asthma and during exacerbations. It is less used these days for the initial diagnosis of asthma, clinicians being encouraged to use more accurate measurements of lung function such as spirometry and the fractional exhaled nitrous oxide (FeNO) test.
What is a peak flow test?
Peak flow is a simple measurement of how quickly you can blow air out of your lungs. It's often used to help diagnose and monitor asthma. A peak flow test involves blowing as hard as you can into a small handheld device called a peak flow meter. These are available on prescription or can be bought from most pharmacies.
What is a peak flow meter?
Download a peak flow diary (PDF only, 1.06MB) from the Asthma + Lung UK website Your peak flow score – also known as your peak expiratory flow (PEF) – will be displayed on the side of your peak flow meter. This is given in litres of air breathed out per minute (l/min). What's considered a normal score depends on your age, height and sex.
Peak Flow Monitoring References
If you want to know more about Peak Flow Monitoring, consider exploring links below:
What Is Peak Flow Monitoring
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/peak-flow-test/
- https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/symptoms-tests-treatments/tests/peak-flow
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/4298-peak-flow-meter
Peak Flow Monitoring Information
- https://patient.info/doctor/peak-flow-recording
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459325/
- https://www.uhnm.nhs.uk/media/1307/160531-asthma-peak-flow-diary.pdf
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/peak-flow-measurement
- https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma/treatment/devices/peak-flow
- https://www.uptodate.com/contents/how-to-use-a-peak-flow-meter-beyond-the-basics/print
Explore Related Topics
What's the Best Gamified App for Asthma Management in Children?
Seeking recommendations and experiences with apps that use gamification to help children manage their asthma.