![]() With your medications: Your doctor may suggest using your meter right before and after you use medications, such as a rescue inhaler (inhaled albuterol).If you have an acute respiratory illness: If you have a cold, flu, or other respiratory condition, you might use your peak flow meter more often.When symptoms happen: If your symptoms wake you up from sleeping or occur at specific times of the day, use your peak flow meter when symptoms occur.You may also benefit from taking readings several times per day, such as first thing in the morning and right before bed. When you’re getting your asthma symptoms under control: If your asthma is not well controlled, you might take peak flow readings at least once daily, at the same time each day.When your asthma is well-controlled: If your asthma is under control, you may decide to only use your peak flow meter when your symptoms increase or when you experience triggers, such as breathing in cold, dry air.You may also wish to write down your readings manually in a notebook.īased on your readings, follow your doctor’s instructions on exercise and medication use. Some peak flow meters come with a graph or chart you can use to record your reading numbers. Make sure to slide the indicator down to the bottom before taking each additional reading.Ĭhart your highest reading of the three, along with the date, time, and any other significant information. After your first reading has been recorded, repeat the entire process two more times.The peak flow meter’s indicator will move up the device to a number.Hold your tongue down inside your mouth and quickly blow out one long breath as forcefully as you can.Make a tight seal around the mouthpiece with your lips. ![]() Hold the peak flow meter by its handle.Make sure the peak flow meter’s indicator is set to the bottom of the scale.In general, these are the steps you can expect to take when using a peak flow meter: Share on Pinterest Illustration by Bailey Mariner Take three readings ![]() If your numbers decline, it can alert you that your airways have narrowed before you have asthmatic symptoms.Ī peak flow meter can also help you and your doctor determine if your current treatment protocol is effective or needs to be changed. ![]() Keeping track of your readings can provide information that your asthma is getting worse or that a flare is coming. It can also help signal a change in a respiratory condition, such as COPD. An indicator on the meter moves in response to the force of your breath to a spot along a numbered scale.Ĭonsistent use of a peak flow meter can help you keep track of how well asthma is being controlled. The meter measures the force you expel air in liters per minute (L/m). Peak flow meters have a mouthpiece you forcefully blow into with one powerful breath. Your doctor may recommend using a peak flow meter daily or several times a day, as part of a personalized asthma action plan for managing symptoms. PEFR is the maximum speed you’re able to use when blowing air out of your lungs. They’re usually used by people with asthma to measure peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR or peak flow).
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