Peak flow meter:

A peak flow meter is a portable, easy-to-use device that measures how well your lungs are working. If you have asthma, your doctor may recommend that you use a peak flow meter to help track your asthma control.

In addition to watching for worsening signs and symptoms, such as wheezing or coughing, you can use a peak flow meter to help you decide when you need to act to keep your asthma under control. Regular use of your peak flow meter can give you time to adjust your medication or take other steps before your symptoms get worse. A peak flow meter can be useful for adults and children as young as preschool age.

A peak flow meter allows you to measure day-to-day changes in your breathing. Using a peak flow meter can help you:

Track the control of your asthma over time
Show how well your treatment is working
Recognize signs of a flare-up before symptoms appear
Know what steps to take when you have signs of an asthma flare-up
Decide when to call your doctor or get emergency care

RESULTS:

Once you and your doctor have established your peak flow zones, you’ll use a color-coded system based on your symptoms and your peak flow. This system tells you what to do when you are in each zone.
Green, yellow and red: Understanding your peak flow zones

Your doctor will use your personal best to set your peak flow zones. Each zone is determined by your peak flow rate and symptoms. The color code for each zone reflects progressively more-severe symptoms:
Green zone = stable

Your peak flow rate is 80 to 100 percent of your personal best, an indication that your asthma is under control.
You probably have no asthma signs or symptoms.
Take your preventive medications as usual.
If you consistently stay within the green zone, your doctor may recommend reducing your asthma medication.

Yellow zone = caution

Your peak flow rate is 50 to 80 percent of your personal best, an indication that your asthma is getting worse.
You may have signs and symptoms such as coughing, wheezing or chest tightness – but your peak flow rates may decrease before symptoms appear.
You may need to increase or change your asthma medication.

Red zone = danger

Your peak flow rate is less than 50 percent of your personal best, an indication of a medical emergency.
You may have severe coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Stop whatever you’re doing and use a bronchodilator or other medication to open your airways.
Your asthma action plan will help you decide whether to call your doctor, take an oral corticosteroid or seek emergency care.

Peak flow: Just one tool for asthma control

Using a peak flow meter can be an effective tool for managing your asthma — but there are other things you need to do:

Use an asthma action plan. An action plan is a simple but important part of managing your asthma. It helps you keep track of which medications to take, when to take them and what doses you need, based on whether you’re in your green, yellow or red zone.
Meet with your doctor. Even if your asthma’s under control, meet with your doctor on a regular basis to review your action plan and revise it as needed. Asthma symptoms change over time, which means your treatment may need to change, too.
Avoid your triggers. Pay attention to things that trigger your asthma symptoms or make them worse and try to avoid them.
Make healthy choices. Taking steps to stay healthy — for example, maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise and not smoking — can make a big difference in reducing your asthma symptoms
Article by
Fortis Healthcare