Peak Flow Meter Standard Range

Measuring your peak flow is a straightforward process, initially taught by a healthcare professional. Once you're familiar with the procedure, it's simple to perform regularly at home with your own peak flow meter. Here's how:

1. Find a Comfortable Position: Start by sitting or standing comfortably – maintain this same posture each time you measure.
2. Reset the Meter: Push the pointer back to the start of the scale near the mouthpiece.
3. Hold the Meter Correctly: Ensure the peak flow meter is horizontal, and your fingers are not covering the measurement scale.
4. Deep Inhalation: Take a deep breath in.
5. Tight Lip Seal: Place your lips firmly around the mouthpiece.
6. Exhale Forcefully: Blow out as quickly and forcefully as you can.
7. Record Your Reading: After exhaling, note down the reading displayed.
8. Repeat for Accuracy: Perform this process three times, recording the highest of the three readings as your peak flow score.
9. Your peak flow score, or peak expiratory flow (PEF), is measured in litres of air breathed out per minute (l/min). A 'normal' score varies based on age, height, and sex. For personalised benchmarks, consult your GP or asthma nurse.

In asthma diagnosis, your result is compared against expected norms for someone of your age, height, and sex. Variations in scores, especially noticeable differences between morning and evening readings or during symptom fluctuations, can indicate asthma.

For those monitoring asthma at home, compare your current score to your best score during well-controlled periods. Significant deviations may signal worsening control or an impending asthma attack. Keep a diary or chart to track these readings for effective asthma management.

When to Seek Medical Assistance

It is crucial to know when to seek medical advice regarding your peak flow readings, especially for individuals with asthma. Here's what to do if your peak flow score is lower than usual:

1. Refer to Your Asthma Action Plan: If you have a personal asthma action plan, it will guide you on steps to take when your peak flow score drops to a certain level. This may involve using specific inhalers or seeking medical help.
2. Consult a Healthcare Professional: If you're diagnosed with asthma and do not have a personal action plan, or if you're unsure about your peak flow score and the next steps, contact your GP or asthma nurse.
3. Develop a Personal Action Plan: During your appointment, you might receive a personal asthma action plan to complete with your doctor or nurse. This plan is an essential guide for managing your condition.
4. Annual Review and Update: Ensure your asthma action plan is reviewed and updated at least once a year during your asthma review with a healthcare professional.
5. Keep Your Plan Accessible: Always take your asthma action plan to every related medical appointment, including A&E or consultations with specialists. This ensures any changes in your condition or treatment can be immediately reflected in your plan.

Remember, prompt and appropriate action in response to changes in your peak flow readings is vital for effective asthma management. Don't hesitate to seek medical advice if you have concerns or questions about your readings or condition.