A peak flow meter is a small tube that you blow into. It measures the speed of the air coming out of your lungs, and ideally should be performed standing up and at regular intervals through the day
Initially you should be shown how to use it by your health practitioner and the meters are available on prescription. Once you have removed the peak flow from the box and checked that the marker is showing zero on the ruler, hold the tube with your fingers either side of the ruler so they are not touching or stopping the marker from moving. Take as deep a breath as possible, seal your lips round the mouthpiece, then blow into the tube as hard and fast as you can. You should do this three times with a short rest in between and it is the best of these three readings that you should write in your peak flow diary.
Why should you measure your peak flow?
It can help to confirm your diagnosis. For instance, asthmatics usually find their peak flow readings lower in a morning and using a peak flow meter will help you to tell what is going on in your airways rather than just guessing by the way you feel. By keeping a record of your readings your health practitioner can monitor your progress at your next appointment. Is your treatment having the effect it should.? Does your peak flow improve following your medication?
What are normal readings?
Readings vary depending on your height, age, medical history, time of day and whether or not you are well at the time. In 2004 a new scale was introduced, make sure if you purchase you own unit that it is compatible with this new scale. One gentleman returned two units believing them to be “faulty” but when he investigated further his clinic were using the old scale. New Mini Wrights have a yellow label with blue writing.
Your health practitioner will explain what should be an average for you and the appropriate action to take should your peak flow start to fall.
Other tests which may be carried out in clinic?
Spirometry, this is a more sensitive method of assessing lung function, along with your symptoms and medical history it will help your health practitioner with a correct diagnosis. Reactive disorders, such as Asthma, produce different readings than obstructive disorders such as COPD. You may be asked to record your FEV1 at home as well as your peak flow then the Mini Wright Digital can help. FEV1 is the volume of air that you can force out in the first second when breathing out
A Blood Gases test measures how much oxygen and carbon dioxide is being carried in your blood and an Exercise Test reflects how exertion may affect your breathing.
Treatment Reversibility tests will check if your condition is improved with certain medications and there are tests to help determine if you need Oxygen or a Nebuliser at home. You can find more details of these and other tests here
If you have any concerns at all about your breathing please contact your G.P. or health practitioner,and for advice about any of tests or treatments you may be prescribed don’t forget our kindred spirits.
No comments:
Post a Comment