Vea esta página en español

What is it?
A small device that measures how well air moves out of the airways.

When is it used?
Use the peak flow meter every day when you wake up in the morning and before you take your medicines.

How do I use it?

1. Stand. Hold the meter level
2. Remove any food or gum from your mouth
3. Slide the arrow to the bottom of the numbered scale
4. Take a slow, deep, breath and blow into the peak flow meter
5. Write down the number next to the arrow
6. Repeat steps 3-5 two more times
7. Write down your highest score in your asthma diary1. Stand. Hold the meter level
8. Remove any food or gum from your mouth
9. Slide the arrow to the bottom of the numbered scale
10. Take a slow, deep, breath and blow into the peak flow meter
11. Write down the number next to the arrow
12. Repeat steps 3-5 two more times
13. Write down your highest score in your asthma diary

Peak flow meter score changes:
Small airways in the lungs narrow slowly at the start of an asthma attack. A
change in peak flow meter scores is a very early warning sign. It is important to
use the peak flow meter every day. The meter can let you know when to take
medicines early. This may help to stop a flare-up and prevent an attack.

disclaimer