Peak flow meters are essential asthma management tools which are particularly helpful when you use them regularly. Asthma attacks can be kept to a minimum by consistent monitoring of your breathing. Comparing your current breathing score against your “personal best” peak flow allows you to take a snapshot of your lungs’ current condition and judge quickly whether you need to take any precautions.
You can compare your “personal best” against your peak flow at any other time to get an objective idea of how well you’re breathing.
Unfortunately, the result of a peak flow measurement is very dependent on your efforts, so try to use the same effort every time.
A single peak flow measurement, without knowing what your “personal best” is, is not very useful.
Try to use peak flow values together with your other symptoms to evaluate the severity of your attack.
- Peak flow meters measure how well you can get air out of your lungs.
- Peak flow meters monitor how effectively your long term controller asthma medications and your quick relief asthma medications are working.
- Peak flow at any given time helps you identify your asthma triggers.
- Peak flow helps you decide when to seek emergency treatment.
- A drop in your peak flow can be an early and effective warning sign of an asthma attack.
- Peak flow readings can help you measure how well you’re responding to your asthma treatments.
Peak Flow Zones
Your “personal best” peak flow measurement can be used to determine your asthma action or treatment zones.
- Green: 80-100% of your “personal best” peak flow. Just keep doing what you’re doing.
- Yellow: 50-80% of your “personal best” peak flow. Caution – be careful. Use your quick relief medication as needed to try improve your peak flow or relieve whatever symptoms you might be experiencing. Remember – keep monitoring your peak flow after your treatments.
- Red: Less than 50% of your “personal best” peak flow. Danger – Asthma Attack Action Plan time. Use your quick relief asthma medication and seek immediate medical attention.
Peak flow meters are one of your best weapons in your fight to control your asthma, so use yours often!
Tad Pearse says
Peak flow management is everything! It’s the easiest (and cheapest) way to manage your asthma!
Cody Wells says
@ Tad Pearse: I agree. I wish more folks would take advantage of this very useful tool!! Thanks for dropping by.
~Cody
Vern Vik says
Nice article on peak flow. I have been paying attention to mine, since a severe asthma attack several months back. I agree that it’s an important and often neglected part of one’s personal asthma treatment. I know it has certainly helped me.
Thanks for making this site. I appreciate the originality and effort. 🙂
Cody Wells says
@ Vern Vik: Thank you for dropping by Vern. I appreciate your kind words & I’m glad you found something useful here!
~Cody
Len Schmale says
I’m attempting to do research on peak flow and peak flow meters. I appreciate your article and the links you’ve provided! Thanks. 🙂
Cody Wells says
@ Len Schmale: You’re more than welcome. I’m happy that you found something useful here!!
~Cody
grynline says
You’re blog seems to be a very interesting approach to the asthma problem. I agree that management tools like a properly functioning peak flow meter are absolutely essential. I enjoy your blog as it sheds some new light on the asthma topic. Cody, I will be visiting your blog more often!
Cody Wells says
@ grynline: Thanks for dropping by. I believe that being engaged in one’s own asthma treatment & management is very important. I believe it helps folks feel empowered & can lead to some amazing results including dramatic increases in health and decreases in medication intake. I’m glad you found something useful here. 🙂
~Cody
Rolande Swisak says
Remember not to ever take things for granted and get stuck limiting yourselves. Numerous men and women limit themselves because of how they see themselves. Thank you for your blog, because I think it helps people think outside of the medication “box” that doctors routinely and perhaps inadvertently trap us in!
Cody Wells says
@ Rolande Swisak: Thanks for dropping by Rolande & thank you for your kind words. I wholeheartedly agree with you & I hope more folks start seeing things that way!!
~Cody
Ellyn Futos says
Cody, I have followed your web site from it’s humble beginnings and I would like to say that I am very happy for you. Azamcare has become a resource for many asthma sufferers. Thanks for your work. I (and many others) appreciate your work!
Cody Wells says
@ Ellyn Futos: Thank you very much Ellen. Not sure what to say other than my only goal has been to provide something that may be of use to asthma sufferers out there. I really appreciate your very kind words. Thank you so much for dropping by!
~Cody