Peak Flow Meters: Essential Tool for Asthma Management

Peak flow meters are portable devices used to measure the maximum speed of air flow out of the lungs, aiding in the monitoring and management of asthma.
Category
Medical device
Where to get
Available in pharmacies, medical supply stores, and online.
Applicable for
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Dr. Helena Rodriguez

Peak Flow Meters FAQ


Image credit: medicalmonks.com

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 expiratory flow meter?

This measurement is the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) or the peak expiratory flow (PEF). For people with asthma, a peak flow meter can detect changes in airways that could indicate the risk of an asthma attack even before individuals might notice symptoms.

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.

How does a peak flow meter work?

Using a peak flow meter involves blowing into the device multiple times and recording the higher reading. People can use a peak flow meter to monitor their ability to exhale (breathe out). This can help people with lung diseases including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, and emphysema:

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.

How do you measure peak flow?

You measure peak flow by taking a full breath in and blowing out as hard and fast as you can into a small hand-held device called a peak flow meter. Your peak flow score is also called your peak expiratory flow (PEF). When is peak flow used? Peak flow is mainly used to help diagnose and monitor asthma.

Peak Flow Meters References

If you want to know more about Peak Flow Meters, consider exploring links below:

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