Peak flow meter

Peak flow meter

A Peak flow meter is a portable, inexpensive, hand-held device used to measure how air flows from your lungs in one 'fast blast'. In other words, the meter measures your ability to push air out of your lungs.

Overview

Peak flow meters come in two varieties: mechanical and digital. The most commonly used are mechanical peak flow meters. They are used to help manage symptoms in many lung diseases such as Asthma, COPD, and Cystic fibrosis. They can be used to check the lung function in people with asthma, especially children.

Usage

To use a peak flow meter, the person takes a deep breath in, seals their lips around the mouthpiece of the device, and then blows out as hard and as fast as possible. The peak flow meter then gives a reading of the speed of the blow, measured in liters per minute.

Importance

Peak flow meters can help detect subtle increases in airway resistance, often before the person experiences symptoms. This can allow for early intervention and can prevent serious respiratory problems. They can also help determine what is causing shortness of breath, and can monitor the response to treatment.

See also

• Spirometry
• Pulmonary function testing

External links

• NHS: Peak flow test

Peak flow meter Resources
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