How to Use a Personal Best Peak Flow Meter

A peak flow meter is a device that helps monitor asthma and can help the user become aware of asthma patterns. According to the Cleveland Clinic Health System, the benefits of using a peak flow meter are learning what triggers your asthma, deciding when to change your medicine and knowing when to seek emergency medical care. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America defines a personal best peak flow reading as "the highest you can achieve when your asthma is under good control. 'Good control' means that you feel good and are not having any asthma symptoms." The AAFA suggests taking readings twice a day for two to three weeks. Then look at your notes for the highest readings to find the personal best peak flow reading.

Preparation

• 1

  Record the date and time in your peak flow meter notebook. It is critical to keep good peak flow testing records to help predict asthma patterns.

• 2

  Slide the indicator tab down to the bottom of the meter. Your breath moves the indicator when you test, so it must be at the bottom to ensure an accurate reading.

• 3

  Remove all food and gum from your mouth.

• 4
  Stand up straight when testing your baseline lung function. chinese woman holding an x-ray image by Allen Penton from Fotolia.com

  Stand up straight. The better your posture, the more efficient your baseline lung function.

Testing

• 1

  Breathe in deeply, being sure to fill your lungs completely. You need as much air as you can hold for maximum breath expulsion into the peak flow meter.

• 2

  Place the meter mouthpiece into your mouth, sealing your lips over the opening. Be sure your tongue is clear of the meter air hole.

• 3

  Blast all your air, as hard and fast as you can, into the meter in one breath. The speed of the breath is what pushes the indicator up to measure your breath.

• 4

  Look at the indicator tab, and record the reading in your notebook. Keep records diligently so you and your doctor can discover your personal best reading.

• 5

  Repeat Steps 1 through 4, marking the highest reading. This is your best reading for this testing session.