Peak Flow Chart:
How To Measure Your Peak Flow In 15 Minutes  

Peak Flow Chart – Why Use One?

Peak flow charts can be invaluable to anyone who suffers with asthma. Every one’s lung are different so you will need to find a range that is "normal for you.

For those with asthma, swelling in the hollow tubes makes breathing difficult by preventing the air from moving freely. This inflammation also causes an increased sensitivity to allergens and a host of other asthma triggers. 

As asthma is a chronic condition, it is important for sufferers' to continually monitor the severity of their condition. As people age, their needs in terms of the medication they require to control their asthma may change - so continual monitoring is essential. It is also important for users to understand what makes their conditions worse, when it peaks and when it needs specific attention.

Thankfully, such monitoring can be done at home, with the use of an equipment called a Peak Flow Meter. Essentially, a Peak Flow Meter monitors the effectiveness of a person's lungs. This is done by measuring their expiration rate, known as their Peak Expiratory Flow Rate. When someone is suffering with asthma, their Peak Expiratory Flow Rate will be lower than one would usually expect.

A peak flow chart is an easy way to monitor your symptoms and breathing at the same time. 

A peak flow chart is a very important device for asthmatics that require close monitoring. It can show the strength of the lungs, frequency of asthma symptoms as well as the effective of treatment. 

You can also try small changes in your lifestyle. These might include using air cleaners, air humidifiers, and allergy-free cleaners in the home. 

The following is a simple step by step instruction on how to use a peak flow meter and chart so you can manage your asthma symptoms.

How To Use Your Peak Flow Meter

1. Place The Marker At Baseline

The baseline is the starting point for all of your measurements. Every time you start a reading, you should start here.

2. Stand Or Sit Up Straight

A straignt torso will help you to fill your lungs to capacity. And this will give a more accurate reading.

3. Take A Deep Breath And Completely Fill Your Lungs

Place the peak flow meter in the mouth, with the tongue under the mouthpiece. Hold your breath. Close your lips around it and create a tight seal.

4. Blow Out Hard

Blow out as hard and fast as you can in a single blow. Your first burst of air is the most important. Repeat it if your tongue partially blocks the mouthpiece or if you cough or spit during the test. But, if you coughed or did not do the steps right, do not write down the number. Do it over again.

5. Record The Number

Write down the number you get. Over several days take measurements and use it as your normal peak flow reading. 

If you take only one reading, it can skew the accuracy of your results, so An average of your readings is much more useful.

Measuring the peak flow rate regularly and accurately can greatly help your doctors monitor and manage your asthma condition. With practice you will be able to understand what your peak flow readings mean and treat your symptoms at home.

Your Peak Flow Chart – 3 Important Things To Watch

Asthma is a medical condition that is rarely constant and that's why it requires a lot of monitoring. Every one’s lungs are different so you will need to find a range that is "normal for you." Height, age, and sex of an individual greatly affects the normal peak flow readings. In other words, you will have to create a peak flow meter chart using numbers that is based on your own lungs.

You should use an asthma diary to record your daily peak flow meter readings, potential asthma triggers, asthma treatments.

These are the 3 main things that you will need to record on your peak flow chart:

· Asthma Symptoms

Write Down Any Symptoms that you may feel at the time of the peak flow reading. By recording these results you can collect the data to see how your lungs are doing. This will help to create a chart that can reveal any significant fluctuations. When you have diligently collected data for several weeks, implementing a new treatment product can be easy to do. This will help you to gauge how effective it is.

· Your Peak Flow Readings

Measurements taken from peak flow rate readings can be used as a basis for taking asthma medications. Measuring the peak flow rate regularly and accurately can greatly help you in monitoring asthma. Your highest peak flow reading, taken when your asthma is well controlled, will usually be taken as your normal reading

· Any Potential Triggers

In addition to your asthma peak flow readings, you can add other data to your asthma journal. Ask your doctor to help you fill out an asthma action plan. This plan should tell you when to call the doctor and when to use medication. If your peak flow drops to a certain level. Try to list your triggers and accurately document the length of each attack.

You can download a copy of a free peak flow chart at asthma.org

How To Evaluate Your Breathing With A Peak Flow Chart

With the right baseline, you can easily take a regular measurement to compare your peak flow in certain conditions a Peak flow readings will change at different times of the day. Since lung strength decreases overnight,

It’s normal for your readings to be lower in the morning. For this reason it is best to measure the same time of the day.

Step 1: Find Your Best Personal Best Peak Flow Readings

To find your "personal best" peak flow number, When your asthma symptoms are under good control, take your peak flow each day for 2 weeks.. You should Take your peak flow as close to the times of day below as you can. These times for taking your peak flow are only for finding your personal best peak flow.

Step 2: Create A Peak Chart Based On Your Numbers

On a peak flow chart, the resulting reading will fit in to one of three categories :

• Green: A normal Peak Flow Expiratory Rate has been recorded. Medication is effective.
• Yellow: Indicates a narrowing of the airways. If someone with asthma has taken their inhalers and still only achieves a yellow reading, they may require a stronger dosage.
• Red: A medical emergency, seek immediate help. A Peak Flow Meter will be provided to anyone diagnosed with asthma and should be used regularly to monitor the condition.

Step 3: Perform A Daily Peak Flow Reading

Every morning when you wake up, before you take medicine, you should use your peak flow meter. If you make it part of your normal morning routine, you will more likely remember to do Even if your asthma symptoms are not active, you should check your readings daily.

Peak flow should be checked again if you are coughing, wheezing, or have shortness of breath. Find out which zome that your peak flow reading fall into

Step 4: Record And Compare Your Results

Do what your doctor told you to do when you are in that zone. This information should be in your action plan. If you take a reading every morning, you can tell if your preventative medication is working. With regular usage, this invaluable tool may even help you predict an attack before it occurs. 

What Is A Good Peak Flow Reading?

Asthma management at home can be a powerful tool. At home, you should have an asthma action plan that you closely follow. Any asthma treatment that you try should be closely monitored for its effectiveness. 

Write down the number you get for each peak flow reading. The highest peak flow number you had is your personal best. By recording these results you can collect the data to see how your lungs are working. The measurements taken from peak flow rate readings can be used aa basis for prescribing asthma medications. It can also guide doctors in adjusting the dosage of the medication.

If your wheezing or breathing problems get worse, you can use your peak flow meter to follow your asthma action plan. And if nothing works … you know it is time to adjust your medication or treatment plan. 

Measuring your peak flow is a way to keep track of your asthma symptoms. If you take the time to evaluate your breathing, you can enjoy daily activities without stress or fear. You can use a peak flow chart as an assessment of your current state of asthma control. 

The score that’s usual for you when you’re well is sometimes called your ‘best’ score. Knowing your best peak flow score helps you know what ‘good’looks like so you can feel confident that you’re managing your asthma well.

If you’re using your medicines as prescribed and following your action plan, you should stay quite close to your personal best peak flow score most of the time.

A good reading means that you have little to no symptoms and your asthma action plan.

It is always important to get regular check-ups at the doctor’s office regardless of the asthma products that you choose to implement on your own. These visits will help your doctor to monitor for any major changes.

What Can Cause A Low Peak Flow Reading?

Once you know what your baseline readings are, you can detect an impending attack even before you have any breathing difficulties. Measurements that are lower than your normal baseline indicate that the lungs are irritated.

Your personal best readings can change over time. This means that your asthma treatment is not working so well. Your exhalation or the air that you breathe out is directly related to how well your asthma is being controlled.

But a low peak reading usually is the first sign of an asthma attack.

There will be times when your usual peak flow reading is low. Asthmatics have hyper responsive airways that can narrow or swell throughout the day. The two factors that irritate the lungs are triggers and allergies. And this will show in a low peak reading.

Common triggers at home, school and work can irritate the lung airways and result in swelling. They include cold air, dust, strong fumes, inhaled irritants, emotional upsets and smoke. Allergies, they will result in symptoms which may last longer. They often occur in the form of pollen, animal secretion or mold allergies. 

Discuss with your doctor getting allergy testing to see if desensitization shots will help the problem. Be sure to mention stuffy nose and itchy, watery eyes "sinus problems" during your visit if they occur.

Learn more about the connection between asthma and allergies.

More Info On Peak Flow Meters

The Ultimate Guide To Peak Flow Meters

A peak flow meter is one of your most valuable resources when trying to relieve breathing problems. Whether it is medical treatment or a natural remedy, a peak flow meter can be your best friend when deciding to continue a treatment plan. Find out how peak flow meters help asthmatics.

Peak Flow Chart: How To Manage Your Peak Flow

Peak flow charts can be invaluable to anyone who suffers with asthma. Every one’s lung are different so you will need to find a range that is "normal for you… This is a simple step by step instruction on how to use a peak flow chart so you can manage your asthma symptoms.

Peak Flow Meter Reviews

Asthma products are a great help for anyone with this respiratory problem. Since a breathing problem can be very hard to live with, this device can be a lifesaver.  For anyone who deals with this chronic problem, peak flow meters are a simple yet effective way to manage breathing problems. This is a list of the top peak flow meters …

Peak Flow Zones: 9 Tips To Prevent An Attack

Your peak flow zone is one the best way to manage asthma symptoms. It is part of your peak flow chart and tells you when you are healthy. The key lies in recognizing the causes and managing the condition such that you are in control of the situation. These are simple tips for asthma you can do everyday.

Where To Buy A Peak Flow Meter?

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More SAFE Guides

Asthma is not a condition that can be cured … but it can be managed at home. On a daily basis asthma products can help you to control breathing problems. This is a list of guides to help …

Many people with asthma find fewer complications when they find a management plan that really works. Read The SAFE Asthma Treatment Guide and discover the four steps to controlling asthma.  

With a little help from your doctor and the right plan of action, you can control your wheezing so that you can breathe easier.

And remember … any asthma treatment prescribed by a physician should always be taken as ordered, even if there are no symptoms. Your doctor is the gatekeeper to keeping you healthy.

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