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The peak expiratory flow rate measures how fast a person can breathe out (exhale) air. It is one of many tests that measures how well the lungs are working.
Alternative NamesPeak flow
How the test is performedThis test requires a peak expiratory flow monitor: a small handheld device with a mouthpiece at one end and a scale with a moveable indicator (usually a small plastic arrow).
To perform this test:
- Breathe in as deeply as possible.
- Blow into the instrument's mouthpiece as hard and fast as possible.
- Do this three times, and record the highest flow rate.
Loosen any tight clothing that might restrict your breathing. Sit up straight or stand while performing the tests.
How the test will feelThere is usually no discomfort. Rarely, repeated efforts may cause some light-headedness.
Why the test is performedThe test is commonly used to diagnose and monitor lung diseases such as:
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Rejection after a lung transplant
Home monitoring can help determine whether treatments are working or detect when your condition is getting worse.
Normal ValuesNormal values vary based on a person's age, sex, and size. Peak flow measurements are most useful when a person compares the number on a given day to his or her "personal best."
A fall in peak flow can signal the onset of a lung disease flare, especially when it occurs with symptoms such as:
- Increased cough
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
Early treatment may be needed to prevent complications.
What abnormal results meanPeak air flow during exhalation decreases when the airways are blocked (obstructed).
Many patients can use peak expiratory flow monitoring to monitor their lung function at home. This can be very helpful, especially in asthma patients whose peak flow reading sometimes gets low before they develop breathing symptoms. If the fall in peak flow is treated early, symptoms can be avoided.
If you note that your peak flow is decreasing, tell your health care provider.
What the risks areThere are no significant risks.
Special considerationsPeak expiratory flow rate measurements are not as accurate as the spirometry measurements performed in a health care provider's office. Small changes in your peak flow may not mean significant changes in your lung function.
ReferencesNational Asthma Education and Prevention Program Expret Panel Report 3: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma. Rockville, MD. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services; 2007. NIH publication 08-4051.
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What is the fastest way speed can be expel air from the lungs at a maximum effort?
Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR)
What are signs and symptom of asthma?
Wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath. A reduction in peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) by around 20% or a Forced expiratory volume reduction in one second (FEV1) of 15%. I have Asthma and its hard to breathe, and your throat feels like its going to squash up. So choking, coughing,tightness of your chest and your throat closing up to make you choke. TRUST ME: YOU DO NOT WANT ASTHMA. ITS HORRIBLE.
What is medical service code 94010?
Spirometry, including graphic record, total and timed vital capacity, expiratory flow rate measurement(s), with or without MVV. Essentially .. it's a pulmonary function test (lung function test)
What are the signs and symptoms of asthma?
Wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath. A reduction in peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) by around 20% or a Forced expiratory volume reduction in one second (FEV1) of 15%. I have asthma and its hard to breathe, and your throat feels like its going to squash up. So choking, coughing,tightness of your chest and your throat closing up to make you choke. TRUST ME: YOU DO NOT WANT ASTHMA. ITS HORRIBLE.
What are the effects of exercise on peak flow rate?
yes it does in many ways such as Exercise will effect your breathing and your heart rate by making them both faster. It does this because you need more oxygen to your muscles so you are breathing faster to get in more o2 and your heart beats faster to circulate that o2 to the muscles in your body.
The amount of air that moves when you inhale or exhale is referred to as?
vital capacity
What is the benefit of an attenuation pond?
An attenuation pond is a pond which is designed to slow the passage of water from surface run-off to the ground/drainage system e.g. stormwater sewers. It does this by storing the run-off during times of peak flow i.e. heavy rainfall, and slowly releasing it at a controlled rate after the peak flow has passed.
How is a body of water's rate of flow related to its rate of deposition?
As the rate of flow decreases, the rate of deposition increases
Definition of peak hour factor in traffic engineering?
PHF = Peak Hour Volume / Average Hourly Volume Where: Peak Hour Volume: The highest volume of traffic observed during the peak hour. Average Hourly Volume: The average volume of traffic observed during a specific hourly period. The peak hour factor provides insight into the level of congestion and the concentration of traffic demand during the busiest time of the day. A PHF value greater than 1 indicates that the traffic flow is highly concentrated during the peak hour, suggesting potential congestion and capacity challenges on the road or transportation network. On the other hand, a PHF value closer to 1 indicates a more evenly distributed traffic flow throughout the hour. Transportation planners and engineers use the peak hour factor to assess the performance of roads, intersections, and transportation systems. It helps in determining the appropriate level of capacity needed to accommodate peak traffic demand and in designing infrastructure improvements to alleviate congestion during peak hours.
What is the peak rate of a phone company is 22 per minute and the off-peak rate is 11 per minute Find the savings for a 16 minute phone call if it was made during off-peak time as opposed to peak Tim?
$ 1.76
What is The rate at which liquids flow is called?
Viscosity is the term.
How does having asthma affect routine measurements?
Asthma malfunctions may affect measurements and observation for the respiratory system by making it difficult to discern a respiratory issue other than asthma. Because asthma has such control over the respiratory system when a patient is in the throws of an asthma attack, malfunctions and other issues can occur and go unnoticed.
