![]() A suitable hard-copy graph is usually enclosed within the packaging of a peak flow meter, but may also be downloaded for example this one from Asthma UK, which also has advice about how to use a peak flow meter. When taking regular peak flow readings it is extremely helpful to record your results onto a graph, so that the trend may be seen at a glance. ![]() Peak flow meters are available on prescription, or may be bought from most pharmacies or on-line. Therefore, a period of peak flow monitoring may be extremely useful to help identify people who may have asthma and also as a measure of good control in those who are known to have asthma. Your peak flow will drop to under 80 but above 50 or 60 of your personal best. When asthma is under good control the peak flow should not dip deeply in the morning. When asthma is well-controlled, on optimal medication, the daily peak flow readings become less variable, and more like those seen in people who do not have asthma. The graph below shows a peak flow chart recorded by a patient with asthma. In people who don’t have asthma, the peak flow is more steady. However, a persons peak flow could be less than this and still be completely normal. The peak flow of people with asthma tends to be rather variable, often lower in the morning and higher in the evening. Low range peak flow meters are designed for adults with low readings, and for children. Peak flow is measured by making a short, sharp breath as hard as you can into a peak flow meter, as pictured. Peak expiratory flow (PEF) is a breathing test which is a very helpful in people with known or suspected asthma.
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