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You may have heard of a peak flow meter if you have Asthma and wonder is it really worth it. How do you use it? What good is it really? Well it turns out that it's often hard to tell how strong your breathing is at any given moment. There are so many other things going on in your life - if you're tired, if you're feeling happy, if you're feeling down. And you may think you know how tight your airways are, but often people don't. I'm Dr. Alan Greene and I want to explain to you how powerful it can be to have real numbers telling you how well you're breathing. If you've got accurate numbers and you keep them day after day, you can use that to adjust your medicines. That means you can use the lowest amount of medicine possible to feel the best possible.

So here's how they work. Usually there's a mouthpiece. You just screw into one end so you can keep it clean. And there's a little gauge here that reads the numbers and you move it all the way down to 0. Then just seal your mouth around the mouthpiece and blow hard, as hard as you can once. (Blow sound) Made it almost to the end. Scored pretty well. Then what you do is write down that number. Pull it back to the beginning and do it a total of 3 times. Whatever the highest number is, that's how well you're breathing right now. Then you can compare it that your asthma action plan. That number will either fall in the green zone, or the yellow zone, or the red zone. And it will help you know exactly what to do to best control your asthma with the minimal amount of medications. Really, really worth it.

Reviewed By

Review Date: 09/18/2011

David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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Can you use a flow meter at home?

Depends on what type of flow meter your inquiring about. Almost all cases point to yes. Here is a site that will help you if your inquiring about a specific one that i cannot answear for all of http://www.flowmeterfacts.com/.


How to measure peak flow?

Move the marker to the bottom of the numbered scale.Stand up straight.Take a deep breath. Fill your lungs all the way.Hold your breath while you place the mouthpiece in your mouth, between your teeth. Close your lips around it. Do not put your tongue inside the hole.Blow out as hard and fast as you can in a single blow. Your first burst of air is the most important, so blowing for a longer time will not affect your result.Write down the number you get. If you coughed or did not do the steps right, do not write down the number. Do it over again.Move the marker back to the bottom and repeat these steps 2 more times. The highest of the 3 numbers is your peak flow number. Write it down in your results log.Reviewed ByReview Date: 03/10/2009David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.


What is electric nagnetic flow meter?

An electromagnetic flow meter is a flowmeter which uses the electromagnetic technology to determine the amount of volume flow though a pipe. View the Related Links section for a link with a video about this.


What is flow in venturimeter?

Flow in a venturi meter refers to the rate at which a fluid passes through the device. The flow of fluid is measured by the pressure difference created between the converging and diverging sections of the venturi meter. This pressure difference is directly related to the flow rate of the fluid passing through the venturi meter.


Why is avaraging the readings of the peak expiratory flow rate not recommended?

Averaging peak expiratory flow rate readings is not recommended because it may mask fluctuations that could be important for diagnosing and managing conditions such as asthma. It is more beneficial to monitor the peak flow variability to better understand how the condition is progressing and to tailor treatment accordingly. Individual peak flow readings can provide valuable insights into a person's respiratory health that may be obscured by averaging.

Related Questions

Why is your peak flow reading 250?

because that is what the peak flow meter reads after you have blown into it


What another name for peak flow meter?

Another name for a peak flow meter is a peak expiratory flow meter (PEFM). This device is used to measure the maximum speed of expiration, helping to monitor lung function, especially in individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions.


Can a tidal volume be measured with a peak flow meter?

yes


Where can one purchase a peak flow meter?

There are many places to purchase peak flow meters. Peak flow meters are used for asthma patients and can usually be found locally at a drugstore or mass retailer.


Is 250 on peak flow meter good or bad for an adult?

bad


What is a peak flow meter used to measure?

A peak flow meter is used to measure the maximum speed at which air can be exhaled from the lungs. It is commonly used to monitor and manage conditions such as asthma and other respiratory problems.


What is a peak flow meter used for?

To monitor a one's ability to breathe out air.


What is the difference between a low-range and full-range peak flow meter?

A low-range peak flow meter is designed to measure lower peak expiratory flow rates, typically suited for individuals with mild respiratory issues or children. In contrast, a full-range peak flow meter can measure a broader spectrum of flow rates, making it suitable for a wider range of patients, including those with more severe respiratory conditions. The choice between the two depends on the patient's specific needs and the severity of their condition.


What is the HCPCS code for a peak flow meter?

The HCPCS code for a peak flow meter is A4600. This code is used for billing and reimbursement purposes for this device, which measures the peak expiratory flow rate in patients with respiratory conditions like asthma. Always check for any updates or changes in coding guidelines, as codes can be revised.


Peak flow meter use - series?

Peak flow meter use - part oneA peak flow meter helps you check how well your asthma is controlled.Use it every day, and keep track of the results to help your doctor learn about your asthma. This may also help you determine if your asthma is getting worse, even before you have symptoms.Peak flow meter use - part twoFirst, move the marker to the bottom of the numbered scale.Peak flow meter use - part threeStand up straight with your head up, and take a deep breath. Fill your lungs all the way. (Standing helps you get more air in your lungs.)Peak flow meter use - part fourPlace the mouthpiece in your mouth, between your teeth. Close your lips around it. Do not put your tongue inside the hole or block the vents in the back.Peak flow meter use - part fiveBlow out as hard and fast as you can. You want to move the marker as far as you can with your breath, so concentrate on exhaling forcefully and quickly.Peak flow meter use - part sixMove the marker back to the bottom, and repeat these steps two more times. If you cough or make a mistake, do not include this as one of your three tries.Record the highest of the three numbers in your peak flow diary.Peak flow meter use - part sevenCheck which zone corresponds with your highest score. Follow the plan developed by you and your doctor for the appropriate zone.If your best effort is in the red zone, take your relief medication immediately and call your doctor or go to the emergency room.Reviewed ByReview Date: 05/01/2011David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., and Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.


What is the principle of micromotion flow meter?

it principle denpend on what kind of flow meter. example, magnetic flow meter, it use magnetic force to measuring or coriolis flow meter which is use vibrated capilary tube as sensor. or more info you might watch on youtube.


What is a inexpensive handheld device used to let patients with asthma measure air flowing out of the lungs?

An inexpensive handheld device used by patients with asthma to measure air flowing out of the lungs is called a peak flow meter. This device helps individuals monitor their lung function by measuring the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), which can indicate how well their asthma is controlled. Regular use of a peak flow meter can assist patients in managing their condition and recognizing when their asthma may be worsening.