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- Asthma in adults: Gain control with a written asthma plan
- Asthma: Use a peak flow meter to gain control
- Asthma-friendly products: Do they help reduce symptoms?
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Asthma: Use a peak flow meter to gain control
How to use your peak flow meter
Peak flow meters are available over-the-counter, and they're easy to use. Here's the correct way to use a peak flow meter:
- Move the marker to the bottom of the numbered scale, and connect the mouthpiece to the peak flow meter.
- Stand up.
- Take a deep breath, filling your lungs completely.
- Place your lips tightly around the mouthpiece. Blow as hard and as fast as you can with a single breath.
- Note the final position of the marker. This is your peak flow rate.
- Blow into the peak flow meter two more times. Record the highest reading of the three in your asthma diary.
For the most accurate readings, it's important to keep your peak flow meter clean. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to take care of your peak flow meter.
When should you use your peak flow meter?
Your doctor may recommend using a peak flow meter at least once a day — typically before you take your regular asthma medication in the morning. Use the peak flow meter at the same time every day, and record your peak flow rate in an asthma diary. If your asthma is under control most of the time, your doctor may say it's OK to check your peak flow readings every few days instead of every day.
In addition to regular monitoring, you may also need to check your peak flow when:
- Asthma symptoms wake you up at night
- You have increased symptoms during the day
- You have a cold, flu or other illness that affects your breathing
- You need quick relief "rescue medication" (Check your peak flow before you take rescue medication. Then check it again after 20 or 30 minutes.)
Use an asthma action plan
An asthma action plan is a simple but important part of managing your asthma. It helps you keep track of which medications to take and what doses you need, based on which peak flow zone you're in. It clearly lists what steps you need to take for each zone. Work with your doctor to create this written plan — and make sure it's up to date. Keep your plan readily available so that you'll know exactly what to do if you have an unexpected asthma flare-up.
Peak flow: Just one tool for asthma control
Using a peak flow meter can be an effective tool for managing your asthma — but there are other things you need to do too:
- Monitor your symptoms. When it comes to keeping tabs on your asthma — and knowing which steps to take to keep it under control — watching your symptoms can be just as important as peak flow.
- Identify your triggers. Pay attention to things that trigger your asthma symptoms or make them worse — and avoid them.
- Meet with your doctor. Even if your asthma's under control, meet with your doctor on a regular basis to review your asthma action plan and revise it as needed. Asthma symptoms change over time, which means your treatment may need to change too. Show your doctor how you're using your peak flow meter, just to make sure you're doing it correctly.
- Stay healthy. Healthy choices such as eating right, getting regular exercise and not smoking can make a big difference in managing your asthma.
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