Take a deep breath. Fill your lungs all the way. Hold your breath while you place the mouthpiece in your mouth, between your teeth. Close your lips around it. DO NOT put your tongue against or inside the hole.
Blow out as hard and fast as you can in a single blow. Your first burst of air is the most important. So blowing for a longer time will not affect your result. Write down the number you get. But, if you coughed or did not do the steps right, do not write down the number. Instead, do the steps over again. Move the marker back to the bottom and repeat all these steps 2 more times.
The highest of the 3 numbers is your peak flow number. Write it down in your log chart. Find Your Personal Best. To find your personal best, take your peak flow as close to the following times of day as you can: Between noon and 2 p.
Take your peak flow: Every morning when you wake up, before you take medicine. Make this part of your daily morning routine. Seal your lips and teeth tightly around the mouthpiece. Blow out as hard and as fast as you can. Repeat this 3 times. The 3 readings should be close together. If not, adjust your technique. Record only the highest of the 3 readings on a graph or in a notebook. Do not average the numbers together. The highest number is called your peak flow or personal best.
Use the peak flow meter once a day, or as directed by your healthcare provider. Measure peak flows about the same time each day. A good time might be when you first wake up, or at bedtime. If you use a new peak flow meter, you will need to find your new personal best value on the new meter.
He or she may tell you to increase or change your medicines. He or she may give you other instructions to help keep your symptoms from getting worse. Take your rescue medicine and call your healthcare provider or go to an emergency room.
Your healthcare provider may give you more instructions about what to do for each peak flow zone. Health Home Treatments, Tests and Therapies. The 3 peak flow zones are noted by color and include: Green. Why might I need peak flow measurement? A peak flow meter can help you determine: When to get emergency medical care How well an asthma treatment plan is working When to stop or add medicine as directed by your healthcare provider What triggers an asthma attack, such as exercise A peak flow meter can help you manage asthma.
PFM can also be used to assess other lung problems, such as: Emphysema. What are the risks of peak flow measurement? All procedures have some risks. The risks of this procedure may include: Having to take in deep breaths may make you feel dizzy or short of breath It may trigger coughing or wheezing Certain factors may interfere with the accuracy of peak flow measurement, such as: Not breathing in deeply enough to start the test Not breathing out forcefully enough to show your true level of dysfunction Coughing during the test Poor seal around the mouthpiece while performing the procedure A dirty meter Blocking the mouthpiece with your tongue Use of medicines that open the airways bronchodilators Use of a different type or brand of peak flow meter, as measurements may vary among brands and types of meters How do I get ready for peak flow measurement?
A peak flow meter allows you to measure day-to-day changes in your breathing. Using a peak flow meter can help you:. Work with your doctor to make sure you get the right type of peak flow meter.
Peak flow meters are available over-the-counter and can be purchased at a pharmacy. There are several types of peak flow meters available, and all of them work basically the same way: You blow a fast, hard breath into a mouthpiece and record the resulting score.
For the most accurate reading, be sure your peak flow meter is clean and, if applicable, fully charged. To get accurate readings, make sure you know how to use your peak flow meter properly. Ask your doctor or other health care professionals to watch you use it. It's also important to keep your peak flow meter clean. Follow the manufacturer's instructions — most peak flow meters require weekly cleaning with warm water and a mild detergent.
To start, your doctor will want to get an idea of your peak flow measurements when you feel good and have no asthma symptoms. You'll record your daily peak flow rate over a two- to three-week period.
Your highest peak flow rate over this period is known as your "personal best. Do not calculate an average. This is very important. You can't breathe out too much when using your peak flow meter but you can breathe out too little. Step 6 : Measure your peak flow rate close to the same time each day. You and your healthcare provider can determine the best times. One suggestion is to measure your peak flow rate twice daily between 7 and 9 a. You may want to measure your peak flow rate before or after using your medicine, or both.
Try to do it the same way each time. Step 7 : Keep a chart of your peak flow rates. Discuss the readings with your healthcare provider. This is called your "personal best. You could leave room at the bottom of the page for notes to describe how you are feeling or to list any other thoughts you may have. A "normal" peak flow rate is based on a person's age, height, sex and race. A standardized "normal" may be obtained from a chart comparing the person with asthma to a population without breathing problems.
A patient can figure out what is normal for them, based on their own peak flow rate. Therefore, it is important for you and your healthcare provider to discuss what is considered "normal" for you. Once you have learned your usual and expected peak flow rate, you will be able to better recognize changes or trends in your asthma. Three zones of measurement are commonly used to interpret peak flow rates.
It is easy to relate the three zones to the traffic light colors: green, yellow and red. In general, a normal peak flow rate can vary as much as 20 percent. Be aware of the following general guidelines. Keep in mind that recognizing changes from "normal" is important.
Your healthcare provider may suggest other zones to follow. Some healthcare providers may suggest zones with a smaller range, such as 90 to percent. Always follow your healthcare provider's suggestions about your peak flow rate.
0コメント