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Using a Peak Flow Meter

A peak flow meter is a device that measures how well air moves out of your lungs. Peak flow meters are used to check your asthma the way that blood pressure cuffs are used to check high blood pressure.

During an asthma episode, the airways of your lungs usually narrow slowly. The peak flow meter may help warn you if there is narrowing in the airways hours before you have any asthma symptoms.

The peak flow meter can also help you and your doctor:

• Learn what can make your asthma worse
• Decide if your treatment plan is working well
• Decide when to add or stop medicine
• Decide when to seek emergency care

A peak flow meter is most helpful for people who must take asthma medicine daily. Your healthcare provider can best show you how to use your peak flow meter — here are suggestions that may help:

How to use your peak flow meter

1. If your meter has a detachable mouthpiece, slide it into place on the unit
2. Make sure the moveable indicator is at zero
3. Hold the meter in position, making sure your fingers do not block the airway opening
4. Blow out as hard and fast as you can. The moveable indicator will move up the scale to give you your "peak flow" reading

Move the indicator back to zero, then repeat two or more times. Record the highest reading, along with the date and time.

For a quick, easy-to-use way to keep track of your peak flow numbers, create your personalized Peak Flow Diary: click here.