Do you have asthma? Then you need to know about this Peak Flow Meter! (Peak Flow Meter)

Do you have asthma? If so, you're probably familiar with the occasional bouts of shortness of breath, chest tightness, and wheezing. But did you know that there's a small, portable device that can detect asthma before it gets worse? That's what we call a Peak Flow Meter. It's like having a friend who monitors your asthma.

Simply put, what is this Peak Flow Meter?

A Peak Flow Meter is a small, handheld device that measures how fast you can exhale air from your lungs. More specifically, it measures the speed of air that comes out when you exhale as hard and fast as you can. This is also called Peak Expiratory Flow.

There are two types of these. One is the manual type. It has a small marker that goes up when you push it. The other type is the digital type. It shows the value directly on a screen.

Even though the booklets that come with these devices may list average readings, don't compare your readings to those. The important thing is to know what your 'best' reading is and see how you compare to it.

Why is this important for someone with asthma?

When you have asthma, the small tubes in your lungs called bronchi become narrowed. This Peak Flow Meter measures how open those airways are. Sometimes, even before you experience asthma symptoms, these airways start to narrow. Then your peak flow rate decreases.

Okay, now let's see how to use this exactly.

It's very easy to use. Just follow these steps.

1. Sit or stand up straight. It can be easier to take deep breaths while standing. But whatever position you choose, remember to do it the same way every day.

2. Bring the marker on the meter all the way down to zero.

3. Take a deep breath in until your lungs are completely full . Take a deep breath in until not only your chest but also your stomach comes forward. Hold the breath in for a while.

4. Place the mouthpiece of the device in your mouth and close your lips tightly so that no air escapes.

5. Now, all at once, blow out all the air in your lungs as hard and fast as you can . Like blowing out a candle, but much harder.

6. Write down the value where the pointer stops on a piece of paper or in your exercise diary.

Do this three times . The highest value of the three is your peak flow value for that day. Along with this value, it is very important to note the following:

• What symptoms did you have at that time? (e.g., chest tightness, shortness of breath, cough)
• Did you use your rescue inhaler or other emergency medicine at that time?

How do you find your 'Personal Best' score?

A 'Personal Best' is the highest peak flow value you can achieve when your asthma is well controlled and you are symptom-free. This is your benchmark. We compare all other values ​​to this 'Personal Best' value.

To find your 'Personal Best' value, do this:

• Measure your peak flow twice a day (at the same time in the morning and evening) for two weeks.
• This should be done before using your inhaler (ask your doctor for more information).
• At the end of the two weeks, the highest score you received will be your 'Personal Best' score.

Once you have found this value, use the meter daily as directed by your doctor. This will help you identify changes in your breathing rate early.

The 'Traffic Light' Method: What is your Peak Flow Value?

Doctors usually use a traffic light system to figure out your peak flow value. That is, it is divided into three zones. This is determined by comparing it to your 'Personal Best' value.

How do you calculate your zones?

Imagine your 'Personal Best' is 400 L/min.

• Green zone: Between 80% and 100% of 400 (320 - 400 L/min)
• Yellow zone: between 50% and 80% of 400 (200 - 320 L/min)
• Red zone: less than 50% of 400 (less than 200 L/min)

Discuss these values ​​with your doctor and include them in your Asthma Action Plan.

When do you need to see a doctor?

• If your reading is in the Yellow Zone: Use emergency medication (such as a rescue inhaler) as directed by your doctor and call him or her immediately for advice.
• If your reading is in the Red Zone: This is an emergency. Use your rescue inhaler immediately. If symptoms do not improve, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Don't waste time.

Advantages and risks of using a Peak Flow Meter

What are the advantages?

• It helps you identify triggers that make your asthma worse.
• You will be able to decide exactly when to use the medicine.
• You will be able to know in advance when emergency medical treatment is needed.

Are there any risks?

This is usually a very safe device, but sometimes things like this can happen:

• Feeling faint due to deep breathing (presyncope).
• Coughing.
• Like getting an incorrect reading for not taking a deep breath or not blowing out fast enough.

Therefore, it is very important to ask your doctor for the correct way to do it before using it for the first time. Also, use the same type of meter every time, as different types can vary slightly in measurement.

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