Asthma Peak Flow Meter – Tracking The Extent Of Your Asthma

Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the lungs. It can flare up suddenly as a result of some environmental change like an increase in dust or pollen or an allergic reaction to eating certain foods. It may also occur if a person is under stress or anxiety. People often get minor flare ups or become short of breath during exercise, which may indicate that the body is under some kind of stress.

Minor attacks of asthma are inconvenient, especially when a person can use an inhaler to apply a bronchodilator to reduce the constriction of the bronchi. However a severe asthma attack can prevent a sufferer from breathing and be life threatening. In cases like this treatment must be swift and immediate.

Asthma is likely to be with a person for life so treating the condition is about minimizing the impact it has on their lifestyle.

A way to minimize the impact it has on a person's life is to track the extent of the condition by using an asthma peak flow meter.

An asthma peak flow meter measures the ability that a person has to exhale. This is known as the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR or PEF). A peak flow reading always depends on your age. Adults and children use different peak flow meters.

The asthma peak flow meter has two functions. It helps a doctor diagnose the condition when a person might be first experiencing breathing problems or problems with their respiratory system. Based on the reading the doctor can prescribe medication and give some guidelines on how to use the medication. These guidelines are known as an Asthma action plan.

An asthma action plan works with the meter. A person takes require measurements of their exhaling capacity. Based on the reading a person can look at the action plan to determine what action to take in terms of medication, dosage or seeking further assistance.

The asthma sufferer will also be advised to record the meter readings to give an indication of the state of the condition. Over a few years an effective picture can be built up, detailing when an asthma attack may be more likely. It may also provide information on foods or environments to avoid. Your progress or peak readings are then put on a peak flow meter chart, which is an invaluable source of information for your nurse or doctor.

Thus an asthma peak flow meter is an effective device that you and your doctor will use to manage your condition and limit the incidences of attacks occurring.