TAKE CONTROL - Understanding Peak Flow   Home | Asthma Assistant | Glossary | Disclaimer   Is it Asthma | Society & Self | Take Control | Treatment or Cure | Quality Living

Studies have shown that many people with asthma do not notice when their asthma is severe and their airways are dangerously narrowed. This has been demonstrated by their low peak flow readings. Peak flow is a measure of how hard and fast you can blow the air out of your lungs. It is measured by blowing into a peak flow meter. It gives a true reflection of how wide or narrow your airways are, rather than just relying on how you feel. In the UK, members of the medical profession and the National Asthma Campaign felt so strongly about the need for people to have their own peak flow meters at home, that they campaigned for the meters to be available on prescription. This was a success and since October 1990 doctors in the UK have been able to prescribe the meters. If you have a peak flow meter, you must be taught how to use it properly. Children of five and under and some adults are unable to use them accurately. Peak flow varies according to age, sex and ethnic origin. The most important peak flow to compare your individual readings to, is your personal best peak flow. This is the highest value you can achieve when you are well. Your doctor or nurse may take your peak flow reading when you attend the surgery to see how well you are at that time. If you are monitoring your asthma at home, it is best to take peak flow readings in the morning when you get up and in the evening before you take your asthma medications. You can obtain more detailed information by going to the commonly asked questions below. What is peak flow? How is it measured? How should a meter be used? Who can use a meter? What is a normal reading? When should peak flow be measured? How is peak flow expressed? Why is peak flow so useful?

Topic "Take Control" Updated 14th August 2003

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