Peak Flow

Another very important item to have and use every day is your peak flow meter. Peak flow monitoring is a simple and very important part of managing your asthma. It measures how effectively air moves out of your lungs. This lets you know before you have symptoms, how well you're controlling your asthma. Take your peak flow reading as soon as you wake up in the morning -- before medications, meals, anything!

Your doctor or other health care professional will let you know what your personal good, medium, or low zones are. If your peak flow reading is dropping, it may mean that you are losing control of your asthma and could have an attack, so you should make sure you are following your prescribed treatment plan. If you are following your prescribed treatment plan and your peak flow reading is low, it may mean that you need to consult your health care professional about a new treatment plan. If your rate is very low, you may need medical attention immediately.

Monitor Your Peak Flow to Stay in Control Every Day:

1. Your health care professional will help you establish your personal best.
2. Set the indicator at the base of the numbered scale.
3. Stand up.
4. Breathe deeply.
5. Place the meter in your mouth.
6. Close your lips around the mouthpiece tightly; do not put your tongue in the opening.
7. Blow out -- as quickly and with as much force as you can.
8. Write down the number indicated on the scale.
9. Repeat steps 1-6. Write down the number.
10. Repeat steps 1-6 again. Write down the number.
11. Now look at the three numbers and record the highest one in your Personal Tracker