How to Use a Peak Flow Meter to Monitor Asthma

A peak flow meter can help to monitor asthma by providing information regarding how well your lungs are functioning. The information provided helps to evaluate the effectiveness of medication to improve lung function. A peak flow meter provides information that indicates an impending asthma attack so you may be able to prevent an asthma attack by increasing medications as lung function diminishes. Use a peak flow meter daily, during times when asthma symptoms are usually at their worst.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Pencil or pen

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Instructions

• 1

  Stand up, and move the sliding indicator on the peak flow meter to zero.

• 2

  Breathe in as deeply as possible.

• 3

  Place the peak flow meter mouthpiece in your mouth and seal your lips around the mouthpiece so no air can escape around the mouthpiece.

• 4

  Blow into the peak flow meter as hard and quickly as possible.

• 5

  Write down the number where the indicator stopped.

• 6

  Repeat the process two more times. The highest number of the three is your peak flow rate. Use this number when discussing the readings with your doctor.