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Peak expiratory flow measures lung function by testing how hard a person can exhale air. It is commonly used for respiratory ailments such as asthma and bronchitis. Results are used to determine treatment and can be monitored at home with a peak flow meter. Consistent use of the same meter and keeping a peak flow diary can ensure accurate readings. Doctors use the results to prescribe the right medication and patients can use them to self-manage their condition.
Peak expiratory flow indicates the ability of the lungs to pass air through the body. Flow is tested by measuring how hard a person is able to exhale air. This test is commonly used for people with asthma, although it is also used for other respiratory ailments, such as bronchitis. Readings are obtained using peak expiratory flow meters or peak flow meters.
The results of a peak expiratory flow are used by medical experts to decide whether a breathing problem should be treated and, if so, how. The test is usually done frequently and over a long period of time, to better monitor the patient’s progress. Patients not only check their peak expiratory flow while in the doctor’s office, they can do it regularly from home as a way to self-manage their condition.
A peak flow meter is a simple, hand-held device that has a mouthpiece and scale to measure the force of exhalation. When a user blows hard into the mouthpiece, they generate a peak expiratory flow (PEF) reading on the scale.
There are several models of flow meters that use different methods to obtain PEF readings. Some have plastic gauges that move up a scale when blown, while others generate electronic readings. However, not all flowmeters use the same scale. Until 2004, the Wright scale was in standard use, but since then the new European (EU) scale has steadily become the industry standard. There is also the less used American Thoracic Society (ATS) scale. There are methods to convert readings for patients switching from one scale to another.
Due to the wide variety available, one peak flow meter may not give the same reading as another. This is why patients should use the same meter each time to get a consistent reading of peak expiratory flow rate. Another method to keep readings consistent is to keep a peak flow diary. Asthma peak flow diaries are usually available for purchase to help the user track readings over a period of time.
Based on the peak expiratory flow, doctors are able to prescribe the right amount of medication to relieve breathing problems. When used in self-management, these readings can help the patient decide whether to increase or decrease medication. For example, an asthma sufferer with improved peak flow readings may decide to reduce the amount of times a day he uses a steroid inhaler.
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