Asthma and Peak Flow

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease thatbothering him or her and the likelihood of an attack
constricts and inflames the airways. This causesincreases. This may be caused by triggers that
excess mucus to form in the lungs and a narrowingincrease the asthma symptoms such as pollen,
of the airways that causes the symptoms ofcigarette smoke, or dust. A peak flow meter can
wheezing, shortness or breath, coughing, andhelp a person detect these triggers and steps can be
tightness in the chest. A severe constriction of themade to remove the person from the triggers.
airways, often caused by allergens or excessiveMeasuring peak flow is also often used to access if
exercise, is called an asthma attack.certain asthma medications are helping a person or
One way that people with asthma can detect if theynot. If a person's peak flow measurement is low then
are going to have an asthma attack is by measuringit may be a cue to change or increase medications to
their peak expiratory flow or peak flow for short.alleviate the asthma symptoms and prevent the
Peak flow measures how fast a person breathes outlikelihood of an asthma attack. If a peak flow is very
when that person tries his or her hardest. Basically, ithigh, then it may be possible to reduce the dosage
tells a person how well his or her lungs and airwaysof medications. No changes to medications should be
are working. This is often measured with a peak flowmade without the consultation of the doctor.
meter, a small analog or digital device that a personAsthma is a very serious disease that affects millions
breathes into.of children and adults worldwide. If you or someone
Peak flow assists people with asthma by telling themyou know has asthma, you owe it to yourself to
that an asthma attack is likely to occur. If a person'slearn all that you can about this chronic respiratory
peak flow is low then the person's asthma isdisease.