The SAFE Guide To
Peak Flow Meters:
ThE SecreT Tool For ASthma

What Is A Peak Flow Meter?

A peak flow meter is one of your most valuable resources when trying to relieve breathing problems. 

All asthma treatment that you try should be closely monitored. 

Whether it is medical intervention or a natural remedy, a peak flow meter can be your best friend when deciding to continue a treatment plan. This is a simple step by step instruction on how to use a peak flow meter to decrease your asthma symptoms.

People who don't have asthma or a family member with asthma probably has an idea what a peak flow meter is.  

But for anyone with breathing problems, a peak flow meter is an important measuring tool to prevent complications. 

Asthma Is A Threat To The Very Young And Old

Asthma is chronic disease that is hallmarked by the inflammation of the bronchial or breathing tubes, in the lungs. While there is no known specific cause for the condition, many of its triggers are well known and avoidable; and those that can’t be avoided can be well managed.

15 million adults and 5 million children in the United Stated have asthma, a chronic respiratory disease that can cause early morning or late night coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, fatigue, anxiety and shortness of breath. 

Asthma symptoms can be mild or serious, and they can also be life threatening during an asthma attack.

Our lungs are filled with hollow tube like passages that resemble the branches on a tree. These passages gradually become smaller and smaller ending in tiny pockets where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged. 

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

What Is A Peak Flow Meter And What Does It Measure?

The most effective tool for self-assessing how well controlled your asthma is a peak flow meter, a device that you can use at home to measure your maximum rate of expiration of air or your peak expiratory flow rate. 

Such a device is effective for people who suffer from asthma because by measuring the amount of air that you are breathing out, it can give you a clear indication of how efficiently you are breathing. As the efficiency of your expiration is directly related to how well your asthma is being controlled, such a simple device is all you really need to ascertain your current control levels. 

Over several days and if at all possible at a time when you are feeling totally relaxed, take a measurement. Take measurements over several days 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 collected over several days is far more useful. 

With this benchmark established, you should then take a regular measurement to compare your peak flow in certain conditions and at different times of the day with your baselin e standard measurement. Use the following scale as an assessment of your current state of asthma control:

How Does It Work?

A peak flow meter is a very important device for asthmatics and without it there would really be a huge gap to be filled in the world of asthma-related gadgets.  It is a small, inexpensive hand-held gadget used to monitor the airflow through the bronchi and controls the degree of airway restriction.  

It is effectively a circular tube of plastic with a mouthpiece on one end; the user then blows, as hard as they can in a sudden burst of breath, in to the tube. A slide on the top of the tube will then move along a numbered chart, giving a Peak Flow reading.

Peak flow meters usually work through a mechanism called "fast blast", because it basically measures a person's ability to push air out of his or her lungs.

Why Is It Important To Measure Your Peak Flow?

The main function of the peak flow meter is to measure an individual's maximum ability to exhale.  This ability to exhale is also known as peak expiratory flow rate.  When an individual is well and healthy, the peak flow readings are expected to be high.  

On the other hand, peak flow readings are expected to be low among patients who are unwell due to constricted airways.

The peak flow reading measurements may fluctuate every now and then and that's why doctors and patients must take note of the peak flow readings carefully so that each significant change or fluctuation in the readings can b documented.

Both the doctor and the patient can determine the extent of lung functionality, severity of the symptoms as well as the treatment options for asthma.  The height, age, and sex of an individual greatly affects the normal peak flow reading value.

Measuring the peak flow rate regularly and accurately can greatly help you in monitoring asthma.  

The measurements taken from peak flow rate readings can be used as a basis for taking asthma medications.  

As mentioned earlier, if your asthma is properly controlled, you should be able to do most things that you would normally do, including reasonably rigorous exercise.

Who Can Benefit From Using A Peak Flow Meter?

Asthmatics with moderate to severe symptoms are the ones who can greatly benefit from peak flow meters because these devices effectively measure the condition of the lungs. With this information, their doctor can accurately adjust asthma medications according to their needs. 

Peak flow meters play a very important role in asthma management for those who really suffer with breathing problems.

With these devices, their doctors can effectively and accurately adjust asthma medications. It basically plays a very important part in asthma management plans.

Children also benefit from peak flow meters by having their asthma easier to control and manage.  

People who are sick with emphysema and bronchitis can also benefit from peak flow meters.Children benefit from peak flow meters by having their asthma easier to control and manage.  

Peak flow meters are commonly used for children and adults who have asthma symptoms that are difficult to manage. This allows them to determine if a treatment is working.

Peak Flow Chart: How To Keep Track Of Your Readings

You see, asthma is a medical condition that is rarely constant and that's why a lot of close monitoring is needed in order to control it.  

Measuring the peak flow rate regularly and accurately can greatly help asthmatics and their doctors in monitoring and handling asthma.  The measurements taken from peak flow rate readings can be used as  a basis for prescribing asthma medications.  It can also guide doctors in adjusting the dosage of the medication.  

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. 

This is often the first sign that asthma attack is about to happen. 

With this information you can start preventative treatments to stop wheezing or shortness of breath,

When Should You Take A Peak Flow Reading

Peak flow meters are usually used for children and adults who have severe or moderate asthma conditions.

The inability to breathe normally that comes with asthma can frighten asthma sufferers and their families. You should be aware of what asthma entails and what it can do, and how it's treated so you can manage it appropriately. A better understanding of asthma combined with the following asthma management advice can dramatically reduce the instance of asthma attacks.

Peak flow meters are for asthma sufferers who need close monitoring of their condition. If you have a mild form, then this tool not be necessary for you.

Buying Guide: Top Features To Look For

Peak flow meters can help you to more effectively manage your condition. However there are several things that you should know before investing in any one of them. Finding the right tools to help you with your symptoms should not compromise your long-term health. These are the features to look for in the best peak flow meters.

If you have asthma, it is important to learn how to take care of yourself and learn what medication or remedies can help you and reduce your asthma symptoms.

Although you may have your own list when looking at peak flow meters, the top ones will help you to monitor asthma symptoms. Finding the right tool should help you with your symptoms and not compromise your long-term health.

These are the features to look for when you compare peak flow meters:

• Range of peak flow measurement - Peak flow meters come in different ranges and they measure the air that you can push out of your lungs. While a low-range peak flow meter is best for small children, peak flow meter with a standard-range is meant for older children and adults.
• Accuracy - Anyone using peak flow meters should check to make sure that the manufacturer complies with accuracy requirements. Your asthma treatment will be based on your peak flow readings so you need a device that consistently produces accurate readings.
• Ease of use - If you use a peak flow meter on a regular basis, it should be easy to carry and easy to clean. Because your peak flow meter needs regular cleaning with soap and water, it really should be made a material that is compatible with water. Or it should easy to disinfect.

A Peak Flow Is An Important Measuring Tool For Asthmatics

Moderate to severe asthmatics are the ones who benefit most from peak flow meters because these devices are needed to effectively and accurately adjust the asthma medications and it basically plays a very important part in asthma management plans. 

A peak flow meter is a very important device for asthmatics that require close monitoring. For more information on peak flow meters you can visit: 

More Info On Peak Flow Meters

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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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