WHAT IS PEAK FLOW?
Peak flow is the maximum air flow rate that you can generate when you breathe out as hard and as fast as you can. Peak flow provides a simple way to measure airway obstruction. It is like using a blood pressure monitor – it gives you an easy way to keep track of how well you are breathing.
WHY IS PEAK FLOW
MONITORING IMPORTANT?
Regular home peak flow monitoring can be used to discover airflow obstruction before you begin to feel asthma symptoms. Poor judgment of the severity of your asthma could prevent you from getting the proper treatment you need at the right time. Home peak flow monitoring using a peak flow meter lets you check on your asthma condition every day at home in order to prevent asthma attacks. Your doctor can make treatment adjustments such as increasing, decreasing, adding, or stopping medications based on your peak flow diary.
STEPS TO CHECK PEAK FLOW:
1. Bring the indicator to the bottom of the scale.
2. Stand up.
3. Take in as deep a breath as possible.
4. Place the meter in your mouth and close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece.
5. Blow out as hard and as fast as possible.
6. Write down the number on the scale.
7. Repeat the process two additional times.
8. Record the highest of the three numbers in your diary.
It is recommended that peak flow measurements be recorded morning and evening, every day. Bring your peak flow record to your doctor every clinic visit.
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WHAT IS THE “THREE-ZONE” SYSTEM?
Peak flow readings may be divided into three color-coded zones: green, yellow, and red. Each of these zones corresponds to a range of peak flow values.
Green: Green, when your peak flow is above 80% of your personal best, means you are in the healthy safety zone. You should continue to follow your regular asthma medication plan.
Yellow: Yellow, when your peak flow is 50%-80% of your personal best, means caution. Take an extra dose of Albuterol and check your peak flow again. If you remain in the yellow zone after 3 extra treatments in 2-4 hours, call 312-996-6714.
Red: Red, when your peak flow is below 50% of your personal best, means STOP and get immediate medical attention. Immediately take Albuterol treatment and Prednisone. Go to the clinic or emergency room as soon as possible.
Ask your doctor what your personal green, yellow, or red zones are.
WHAT IS “PERSONAL BEST” OR “PREDICTED” PEAK FLOW?
Personal Best: The highest peak flow you have ever achieved while you are not having asthma symptoms. As your asthma is better controlled, your Personal Best will keep increasing to the maximum you can achieve.
Predicted: The predicted peak flow is what is expected from you according to your height.
Your Personal Best may be below or above your Predicted peak flow. If you do not know your Personal Best, you may start the three-zone peak flow monitoring system using your Predicted peak flow. |