| OVERVIEW - Regular monitoring of asthma is | | | | using the same peak flow meter over 2 or 3 weeks |
| essentially needed for its effective management by | | | | should suffice to determine this value. |
| the patient. This self-monitoring can be carried out by | | | | The highest reading taken over this test period is, so |
| assessing the severity and frequency of the | | | | to say, your "personal best". The normal range, that |
| symptoms (like shortness of breath and wheezing) | | | | is a lower limit of 80% of this reading and a higher |
| and by the measurement of the function of the lung | | | | limit of 100% of the same reading is going to be |
| by the use of the Peak Flow Meter. | | | | your normal range. This is the value that is to be |
| Your Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) is measured | | | | used to determine if your peak flow readings are |
| by the peak flow meter which correlates to the | | | | normal or not in the future. Readings lower than the |
| extent to which your lungs are open. A decrease in | | | | normal range indicate narrowing of the air passages in |
| Peak Expiratory Flow Rate shows a worsening of the | | | | the lungs. Such a low reading can occur before the |
| asthma and the narrowing of the air passages. Your | | | | development of the symptoms of asthma such as |
| physician can determine the best management | | | | shortness of breath and wheezing. |
| technique for your asthma by monitoring the PEFR. | | | | This process of establishing your normal peak flow |
| RECOMMENDATIONS - It is recommended by | | | | rate should be done once a year to account for the |
| experts that individuals with moderate to acute | | | | growth of children and for changes in the disease |
| asthma keep a peak flow meter at their homes and | | | | (both children and adults). Calibrate your instrument in |
| know its use. For most patients it is just a small | | | | comparison with the readings taken with the |
| inexpensive, easy to use gadget. The National | | | | instruments in the laboratory of the healthcare |
| Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) | | | | provider as his equipment would be more sensitive |
| recommends the following: Regular monitoring of the | | | | than yours. If you have had a long term history of |
| function of the lung and the response to treatment | | | | asthma, your physician might recommend a daily |
| over both short and long terms, Assess the severity | | | | peak flow testing, typically in the mornings. |
| of an attack and Determine the response to an | | | | Obtaining The Best Measurements - There are |
| attack. Maintaining an asthma diary is recommended | | | | several essential steps that should be followed while |
| and records of your peak flow meter readings, use | | | | taking and recording peak flow meter readings. They |
| of asthma medication, the appearance of its | | | | include: |
| symptoms and the potential triggers should be kept. | | | | The meter should be calibrated to show a zero value |
| This can be used as a guide by you and your | | | | when not in use, Use it in an upright position, To the |
| physician or your healthcare provider to take | | | | extent possible, take in a deep breath, Set the |
| decisions about the line of treatment of your asthma. | | | | meter in the mouth with the mouthpiece above the |
| HOW TO USE- Learn how to use the peak flow | | | | tongue, Tighten your lips around the mouthpiece, |
| meter with the help of your healthcare provider. Each | | | | Without throwing the head forward, blow out as fast |
| brand of the meter has its own characteristics but | | | | and as hard as possible, Take a few normal breaths |
| the accompanying manual should present you with all | | | | and repeat the procedure twice. Note down the |
| the required instructions. Essentially monitoring should | | | | largest of the readings without averaging them. |
| be done regularly, whether there are symptoms or | | | | Note : The procedure should be repeated if there is |
| not. If there is any development of coughing, | | | | coughing, spitting or a partial block by the tongue |
| shortness of breath or wheezing, the peak flow | | | | while blowing. Clean the peak flow meter periodically. |
| should be taken and recorded. | | | | Cleaning instructions should would be available in the |
| Baseline Measurement | | | | accompanying manual. |
| Unlike a test for blood sugar or for blood pressure, | | | | EMERGENCY ASTHMA CARE |
| there is no established normal upper and lower limits | | | | If there is no improvement or if the disease worsens |
| for peak flow measurements. Because of this, it is | | | | then you might need emergency trauma care. If not |
| essential that a normal peak flow value is established | | | | treated promptly, severe asthma attacks often lead |
| for you individually. | | | | to death. Call 911 (usually available throughout the US) |
| This normal peak flow value is measured when you | | | | for emergency assistance and do not try to drive on |
| have no attack of asthma or any symptoms | | | | your own either to a hospital or the physician's |
| associated with the disease. Three measurements | | | | consulting chambers. |