![]() ![]() These should correlate with a written asthma action plan. For ease of patient interpretation, the colors of a traditional traffic light have been used to designate varying degrees of peak flow limitation. Typical peak flow meters are equipped with gauge markers indicating three “zones” that can be set by the patient or clinic staff to aid users in interpreting their peak flow scores. For those patients who are relatively well controlled and can sense worsening symptoms early in the course of an exacerbation, as-needed measurement is appropriate. For those patients who demonstrate a pattern of not having pronounced symptoms despite increasing disease activity, a clinician should outline daily (or more) measurement to identify deterioration rapidly and intervene appropriately. Specific instructions on how often and when an individual patient should be instructed to measure peak flow depends on patient characteristics and provider preference. It can be denoted on the meter to aid in interpretation. Typically, this number should be obtained during a period when the patient is feeling well and has just received maximal asthma therapy. Obtaining a “personal best” peak flow measurement during steady state for each patient is preferable to using published normal values, and this number should be used by both patients and clinicians to evaluate disease activity objectively. If in doubt, contact your medical team for advice.The most widely accepted use of peak flow measurement is in the daily and/or as-needed ambulatory evaluation of asthma. This would usually involve contacting a doctor or hospital. Severe airway narrowing may be occurring and immediate action needs to be taken. Red Zone: Less than 50 percent of the usual or normal peak flow readings. It may mean respiratory airways are narrowing and additional medication may be required. Yellow Zone: 50 to 79 percent of the usual or normal peak flow readings indicates caution. A peak flow reading in the green zone indicates that the lung function management is under good control. Green Zone: 80 to 100 percent of the usual or normal peak flow readings are clear. Doctors and health practitioners develop management plans based on the green-yellow-red zones. Peak flow readings are often classified into 3 zones of measurement according to the American Lung Association green, yellow, and red. Enter this value in your “Target PEF.” data field. This chart can be used to read-off your Normal value. The Normal value (Target value) for PEF varies according to gender, age and height. It is important to use the same peak flow meter every time to ensure consistency of the readings. However, it can be useful in some circumstances to monitor the severity of it or efficacy of treatment. It is classically reduced in obstructive lung disorders, such as Asthma, COPD or Cystic Fibrosis.ĭue to the wide range of ‘normal’ values and high degree of variability, peak flow is not the recommended test to identify respiratory disease. Measurement of PEFR requires some practise to correctly use a meter and the normal expected value depends on a patient’s gender, age and height. From changes in recorded values, we may determine lung functionality, severity of asthma symptoms, and treatment options. Peak flow readings are higher when we are well, and lower when the airways are constricted. It measures the airflow through the bronchi of the lungs and thus the degree of obstruction in the airways. This is a small, hand-held device used to monitor a person’s ability to breathe out air. ![]() Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF), also called Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) is a person’s maximum speed of expiration, as measured with a peak flow meter like the unit available from Activ8rlives. ![]()
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