Asthma can sometimes cause sudden shortness of breath. But did you know that there is a small device you can use at home that can give you a warning before it gets worse? That's what we call a Peak Flow Meter. It's like a little friend who can keep an eye on your lung health. So let's talk about it all today.
Simply put, what is this Peak Flow Meter?
A Peak Flow Meter is a small device that you can hold in your hand. It measures how much air can be forced out of your lungs when you take a deep breath as hard and fast as you can. We call this measurement 'Peak Flow'.
Imagine, if the bronchi (air passages) in your lungs (we call them ``bronchi'' in medical terms) start to narrow a little due to asthma, it will be difficult for you to blow hard, right? Then the speed of the air coming out will also decrease. That is the difference that this meter captures. The value of this meter can decrease even before you feel asthma symptoms (like wheezing, chest tightness) . That is the biggest advantage of this.
These come in two types: manual and digital. Manual ones have a small marker to show the value. Digital ones display the value directly on the screen.
How exactly do you use this?
It's very easy to use. But you have to do it right. Follow these steps.
1. Stand or sit up straight: It's a little easier to do this standing up. Take a deep breath. No matter how you do it, do it the same way every day.
2. Prepare the meter: Bring the marker on the meter to zero. That is, it needs to be brought to the beginning.
3. Take a deep breath: Take as deep a breath as you can. Breathe in deeply, not just your chest, but your stomach as well. Hold your breath for a moment.
4. Insert into mouth: Place the mouthpiece of the meter into your mouth and seal it tightly with your lips. No air can escape.
5. Blow hard: Now blow out all the air in your lungs at once, as hard and fast as you can . Not like blowing out a candle, but much harder.
6. Record the value: Now see where the pointer stops. Write that value in a book.
The important thing is, doing this once is not enough. You need to do this three times. The highest value you get from those three times will be your Peak Flow value for that day.
Write this number down in your asthma diary, calendar, or phone. It's also a good idea to write down the following:
- The symptoms you were having at the time (e.g., fatigue, chest tightness, cough).
- Whether you took your rescue inhaler (like the blue inhaler) or other emergency medicine at the time.
How do I find my 'Personal Best' score?
'Personal Best' is the highest reading you can get using this meter for two weeks, when your asthma is well controlled and you are healthy without any symptoms. This is your baseline reading. We compare all other readings to this 'Personal Best' reading.
To find this, do this:
- Measure your Peak Flow twice a day (at the same time in the morning and evening) for two weeks.
- Do this before using your inhaler (but only if your doctor has instructed you otherwise).
- The highest score you receive at the end of the two weeks is your 'Personal Best'.
Once you have found this value, use the meter daily as directed by your doctor. This way, you will be able to quickly detect even small changes in your breathing pattern.
The 'Traffic Light' Method: How do I understand my values?
To make it easier to understand your Peak Flow values, doctors use a 'traffic light' system. It has three zones: green, yellow, and red.
These zones depend on your 'Personal Best' value. Let's say your Personal Best is 400 L/min (meter unit). Then your zones would be as follows:
| Zone | % of Personal Best | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Green Zone | 80% - 100% | Great! Your asthma is well controlled. Use the medication as prescribed by your doctor. (Example: 320-400 L/min) |
| Yellow Zone | 50% - 80% | Be careful! Your airways are narrowing. Your asthma may become out of control. Use your rescue inhaler as directed in your doctor's 'Asthma Action Plan'. (e.g. 200-320 L/min) |
| Red Zone | Less than 50% | Immediate medical attention is needed! This is a serious condition. Use your rescue inhaler immediately, call your doctor or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU). (e.g. less than 200 L/min) |
Is there a normal Peak Flow value?
There really is no "one size fits all" standard. Your standard depends on your age, height, and whether you are male or female . Men, taller people, and younger people tend to have higher values. That's why it's important to find your 'Personal Best' and set ranges based on that. Your doctor will explain this to you in more detail.
Is there a risk in using this?
The Peak Flow Meter is a very safe device. But sometimes little things can happen. There's nothing to worry about, but it's good to be aware.
- Taking deep breaths can cause you to feel dizzy (presyncope).
- Maybe a cough will come.
- If you don't take a deep breath or exhale forcefully, the reading may be incorrect.
Important: Always use the same brand of Peak Flow Meter, as measurements may vary slightly between different brands.
When should I see a doctor?
- If your value is in the Yellow Zone , immediately take your medication as per your 'Action Plan' and talk to your doctor.
- If your reading is in the Red Zone , it is an emergency. Use rescue medicine immediately and call your doctor. If symptoms do not improve, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
A peak flow meter is a very helpful tool for those living with asthma. It allows you to gain a better understanding of your body and take action before it becomes a major problem.
Take-Home Message
- A Peak Flow Meter is a simple device that measures the speed at which air can be exhaled from your lungs. This can help detect asthma before symptoms appear.
- Finding your own 'Personal Best' is very important. All other measurements are relative to it.
- Understand the 'traffic light' system (green, yellow, red zones). Talk to your doctor about what to do if you get into the yellow or red zone and develop an 'Asthma Action Plan'.
- If your value is in the red zone, it is an emergency. Take medicine immediately, see a doctor, or go to the ETU.
- Using the same meter at the same time, in the same way, and every day will ensure accurate results.
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