peak flow rates

What is the test monitoring?

lung function at home by the patient

What is this test helpful for regarding patients?

for patient who have chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Peak flow meter

device that measures the amount of air exhaled upon forceful exhalation

A peak flow rating of 80% or better is considered

well-controlled and does not require treatment

Peak flow meter can vary in

size and shape depending on the manufacture but most are inexpensive

Patient instruction regarding peak flow meters

Wear nonrestrictive clothing. Begin with the marker at the bottom of the scale on the meter. In an upright siting/standing position, take a deep breath and forcefully blow out of the mouth, which is secure around the mouthpiece of the machine. Record number where the marker is located at the end of the test. Repeat the test two or three times and record the results.