PEFR monitoring should be performed on a regular basis, even when asthma symptoms are not present. PEFR should also be checked if symptoms of coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath develops. Patients should demonstrate PEFR measurement with their healthcare provider to verify that their technique is accurate.
Different brands of peak flow meters have unique features; however, these general instructions can be adapted to an individual's peak flow meter.
Getting the best readings
Several steps are important to make sure the peak flow meter records an accurate value: The peak flow meter should read zero or its lowest reading when not in use Use the peak flow meter while standing up straight Take in as deep a breath as possible Place the peak flow meter in the mouth, with the tongue under the mouthpiece Close the lips tightly around the mouthpiece Blow out as hard and fast as possible; do not throw the head forward while blowing out Breathe a few normal breaths and then repeat the process two more times. Write down the highest number obtained. Do not average the numbers.
Note: The test should be repeated if the tongue partially blocks the mouthpiece or if the patient coughs or spits during the test. Most peak flow meters need to be cleaned periodically; cleaning instructions should be available when the unit is purchased.
Establishing a baseline measurement
Unlike a blood pressure reading or a cholesterol test, there is no PEFR that is normal for everyone. For this reason, it is important to determine what PEFR value is normal for you.
To determine your normal PEFR, you should measure their PEFR when you have no asthma symptoms. Three PEFR measurements should be done with the same peak flow meter two to four times daily for two to three weeks.
You should note the highest PEFR measure achieved; this is the "personal best" PEFR. This number is used to determine if future PEFR readings are normal or low, and is also used to create a normal PEFR range (between 80 and 100 percent of the personal best PEFR).
Readings below the normal range are a sign of airway narrowing in the lungs. A low PEFR can occur before asthma symptoms such as wheezing or shortness of breath develop.
A personal best PEFR value should be remeasured once per year to account for growth (in children) or changes in the disease (in both children and adults). In addition, home PEFR measurements should be verified with readings taken with equipment in a healthcare provider's office since this equipment is more sensitive. For long term management, most clinicians will recommend PEFR testing once per day, usually in the morning.
Different brands of peak flow meters have unique features; however, these general instructions can be adapted to an individual's peak flow meter.
Getting the best readings
Several steps are important to make sure the peak flow meter records an accurate value: The peak flow meter should read zero or its lowest reading when not in use Use the peak flow meter while standing up straight Take in as deep a breath as possible Place the peak flow meter in the mouth, with the tongue under the mouthpiece Close the lips tightly around the mouthpiece Blow out as hard and fast as possible; do not throw the head forward while blowing out Breathe a few normal breaths and then repeat the process two more times. Write down the highest number obtained. Do not average the numbers.
Note: The test should be repeated if the tongue partially blocks the mouthpiece or if the patient coughs or spits during the test. Most peak flow meters need to be cleaned periodically; cleaning instructions should be available when the unit is purchased.
Establishing a baseline measurement
Unlike a blood pressure reading or a cholesterol test, there is no PEFR that is normal for everyone. For this reason, it is important to determine what PEFR value is normal for you.
To determine your normal PEFR, you should measure their PEFR when you have no asthma symptoms. Three PEFR measurements should be done with the same peak flow meter two to four times daily for two to three weeks.
You should note the highest PEFR measure achieved; this is the "personal best" PEFR. This number is used to determine if future PEFR readings are normal or low, and is also used to create a normal PEFR range (between 80 and 100 percent of the personal best PEFR).
Readings below the normal range are a sign of airway narrowing in the lungs. A low PEFR can occur before asthma symptoms such as wheezing or shortness of breath develop.
A personal best PEFR value should be remeasured once per year to account for growth (in children) or changes in the disease (in both children and adults). In addition, home PEFR measurements should be verified with readings taken with equipment in a healthcare provider's office since this equipment is more sensitive. For long term management, most clinicians will recommend PEFR testing once per day, usually in the morning.
