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  Peak Flow Meter

  What is a peak flow meter? How to use a peak flow meter Find your personal best peak flow number What are peak flow zones? Ask your doctor to write an asthma control plan for you Contact an asthma nurse case manager

  What is a peak flow meter? A peak flow meter helps you check how well your asthma is controlled. The peak flow meter measures the fastest speed at which you can blow air out of your lungs. It can help you to know when you might have an asthma episode--hours and even days before you have any symptoms. The peak flow meter is very easy to use and if you learn to use it you can start to treat your asthma very early at home. Your doctor will tell you how often and when to use your peak flow meter.

  How to use a peak flow meter
  1. Hold the peak flow meter in your hand;
  2. Move the pointer to the bottom of the numbered scale;
  3. Stand up;
  4. Take a deep breath;
  5. Place the meter in your mouth and close your lips around the mouthpiece. Do not put your tongue inside the hole;
  6. Blow out as hard and fast as you can;
  7. Write down the number where the pointer landed;
  8. Repeat steps 4 to 7 two more times; and
  9. Write down the highest reading you got. This is your peak flow number.

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  Find your personal best peak flow number

  It is important to find out your personal best peak flow number. Each person’s asthma is different, so your personal best peak flow number may be different from another person’s personal best number. To find your personal best peak flow number, take your peak flow each day for 2 to 3 weeks. Keep a written record of these peak flow numbers. Your personal best peak flow number is the highest peak flow number you get over the 2-3 week period when your asthma is under good control. Good control means that you feel good and you do not have any asthma symptoms. Always take your asthma diary with you when you visit your doctor.

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  What are peak flow zones?

  Your peak flow zones are based on your personal best peak flow number. The zones will help you check your asthma and take the right actions to keep it controlled. The colors used with each zone come from the traffic light.

  Peak flow numbers that fall in the green zone are good. Your green zone is a peak flow at 80% - 100% of your personal best. Continue taking your regular medicines.

  Yellow zone numbers mean that you may have an asthma episode soon and you should take the medicines your doctor has ordered for this zone. In this zone your peak flow is at 50% - 80% of your personal best.

  Red zone numbers mean that an asthma episode is under way. If your peak flow number falls into the red zone, you should follow your doctor’s orders for this zone. Your peak flow is less than 50% of your personal best. Call your doctor if your peak flow number does not return and stay in the yellow or green zone.

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  Ask your doctor to write an asthma action plan for you

  Always keep a written record of your peak flow numbers. Your doctor will need this information to prescribe the right medicines for you and tell you when to take them. You need a written asthma action plan to remind you how to react to a drop in peak flow or the appearance of asthma signs and symptoms.

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  Contact an asthma nurse case manager

  If you are interested in using a peak flow meter to monitor your asthma, please call 1-800-390-3522 to enroll in the BREATHE program and speak with one of our asthma nurse case managers.

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