Peak Flow Meters are recommended for use in some asthma patients. They provide benefit to the patient and the physician to assess how well a person is breathing and how well medication is working. A peak flow meter measures your peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), the fastest speed you can blow out your maximum air volume after inhaling a deep breath. A PEFR tells you how well air is moving through your lungs. By measuring your PEFR with a peak flow meter you can monitor changes in your airflow. When you have an exacerbation of your asthma, air cannot move as easily in the lungs and it will reflect in your PEFR and show a decreased value. This value is useful because you may have changes in your lung function before your symptoms develop and the peak flow meter will pick up on these changes.

Basically to use a peak flow meter you inhale as deeply as possible and blow out as hard and as fast as you can into the meter. There is an indicator on the meter that moves up after this is done. This number is your PEFR and these values will reflect your lung function. Each peak flow meter is a little different so be sure to read the instructions for use on your particular meter.

From the readings taken from the meter you can more closely monitor your lung function. Usually a PEFR is done up to a few times a day (the best times are 10am and 4pm) and the values are logged in a chart. This helps to establish baseline values and can be used to set up guidelines to help you know when you are in trouble. The peak flow meter can be used to develop a treatment and monitoring plan for you in conjunction with the medical provider. This plan provides you more control over your asthma and may prevent many office visits, emergency room visits, or hospitalizations.

The Campus Health Center Pharmacy carries the Assess Peak Flow Meter , which is around $20. Stop by the pharmacy for a more detailed explanation and to look over the meter. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you would benefit from the use of a peak flow meter.