Peak Flow Meter

A Peak Flow Meter is a portable, hand-held medical device designed for patients with asthma and other respiratory conditions. It measures your Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF), which is the maximum speed at which you can exhale air from your lungs.

This tool empowers patients to actively participate in their asthma management by providing objective data on lung function, complementing the subjective experience of symptoms.

Core Function: Self-Monitoring of Symptoms & Peak Flow

The Peak Flow Meter is central to a proactive asthma management plan. It enables patients to:

• Keep track of symptoms and take timely action when they worsen, whether using a symptom diary or not.
• Monitor Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) to gain an objective measure of lung function.

Short-Term Monitoring

• Post-exacerbation: Track your recovery progress after an asthma attack.
• After treatment changes: Assess how well your body is responding to new medications or adjustments in your treatment plan.
• For severe symptoms: Obtain objective evidence of the degree of lung function impairment when symptoms are excessive.
• Identify triggers: Help pinpoint occupational or domestic factors (e.g., dust, smoke, allergens) that are worsening your asthma control.

Long-Term Monitoring

• Early detection of exacerbations: Especially useful for patients who cannot easily perceive their own airflow limitation.
• For high-risk patients: Recommended for those with a history of sudden, severe asthma attacks.
• For difficult-to-control asthma: Essential for managing severe asthma that does not respond well to standard treatments.

Key Benefits

• Empowers patients: Provides the tools and knowledge needed to take control of their asthma management.
• Enables early intervention: By tracking trends in PEF, patients and healthcare providers can identify and address potential issues before they escalate into a full-blown attack.
• Facilitates better communication: The objective data from the meter helps patients have more informed conversations with their doctors about their condition and treatment.
• Portable and easy to use: The device is lightweight and simple to operate, making it convenient for regular use at home, work, or on the go.