Learning About Peak Flow Meters
A peak flow meter is a device used to measure peak flow. Peak flow is how much air you breathe out when
trying your hardest. Checking your peak flow can tell you how well your lungs are working. It helps you know
if your asthma is staying the same, getting better, or getting worse.
Peak flow meters come in many shapes and sizes, but they work about the same. Follow these steps to measure
your peak flow.
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1. Set the pointer of the peak flow meter to 0 or the lowest number on the meter.
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2. If there is a separate mouthpiece, attach it to the meter.
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3. Sit up or stand up as straight as you can. Take a deep breath.
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4. Close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece. Keep your tongue away from the mouthpiece. Keep
your fingers away from the number scale.
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5. Blow out as hard and as fast as you can.
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6. Note the number on the meter, and write it down. Do the test 2 more times. The highest of
these 3 tests is your peak flow.
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Follow these tips to use peak flow to help manage asthma.
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Find your personal best peak flow. Keep a diary of your peak flow when
your asthma is under control. Your doctor will let you know how long to do this. Your personal best
peak flow is the highest number in your diary.
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Work with your doctor to make an asthma action plan. Your doctor will
add peak flow numbers to each zone in your action plan. The numbers are based on your personal best
peak flow.
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You're in the green zone when your peak flow number is close to your personal best. It's
where you want to be.
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You're in the yellow zone when your peak flow number is much lower than your personal best.
Your asthma may be getting worse.
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You're in the red zone when your peak flow number is very low. It means danger. Get medical
help.
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Check your peak flow, and find which zone you're in. Or you can use
your symptoms along with your peak flow to find the zone you're in. Check your peak flow as often as
your doctor recommends.
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Follow the steps in your action plan for the zone you're in. This can
include what medicine to take and when to call for help.
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Recheck your personal best peak flow now and then. Ask your doctor how
often to recheck it. If it has changed, the numbers on your action plan may need to be changed.
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Current as of: August 6, 2023
Content Version: 14.0
Care instructions adapted under license by your
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