How do you use a peak expiratory flow meter?
Table of Contents
How do you use a peak expiratory flow meter?
Here are the basic steps:
- Move the marker to the bottom of the numbered scale.
- Stand up straight.
- Take a deep breath.
- Hold your breath while you place the mouthpiece in your mouth, between your teeth.
- Blow out as hard and fast as you can in a single blow.
- Write down the number you get.
What is good reading on peak flow meter?
Peak expiratory flow (PEF) is measured in litres per minute. Normal adult peak flow scores range between around 400 and 700 litres per minute, although scores in older women can be lower and still be normal.
What is peak expiratory flow rate used for?
Peak flow measurement is a quick test to measure air flowing out of the lungs. The measurement is also called the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) or the peak expiratory flow (PEF). Peak flow measurement is mostly done by people who have asthma.
What 3 factors determine a normal peak expiratory flow reading?
The normal peak flow value can range from person to person and is dependent upon factors such as sex, age and height.
What is a peak flow meter and what does it do?
A peak flow meter is a portable, inexpensive, hand-held device that measures your ability to push air out of your lungs. Air flow is measured by the amount of air that you can blow out in one “fast blast.” Peak flow meters come in two ranges to measure the air pushed out of your lungs.
How do you calculate PEF?
Results: Formula for estimation of predicted peak expiratory flow in children according to body height reads as follows: Peak expiratory flow [L/min] = (Body height [cm] x 5.3) – 433.
Why is a peak flow test used?
Peak flow is a simple measurement of how quickly you can blow air out of your lungs. It’s often used to help diagnose and monitor asthma. Credit: A peak flow test involves blowing as hard as you can into a small handheld device called a peak flow meter.
What does a high PEF value mean?
If expired volume from the TLC at which PEF is reached is small, PEF will be higher because at higher lung volume, the higher elastic recoil pressure and lower upstream resistance result in a greater wave speed and a higher PEF.
Does peak flow measure lung capacity?
How is peak expiratory flow calculated?
Peak expiratory flow [L/min] = (Body height [cm] x 5.3) – 433. Conclusions: In some situations, especially in emergency settings, the presented formula may prove useful in predicting peak expiratory flow knowing only a child’s body height.
How do you calculate peak flow meter?
How to measure peak flow
- Move the marker to the bottom of the numbered scale.
- Stand up straight.
- Take a deep breath.
- Hold your breath while you place the mouthpiece in your mouth, between your teeth.
- Blow out as hard and fast as you can in a single blow.
- Write down the number you get.
What are symptoms of low peak flow?
These are symptoms of a medical emergency: decreased alertness — this includes severe drowsiness or confusion. fast breathing and straining chest muscles to breathe. bluish color to the face or lips.
What is normal PEF?
The normal peak flow is 450-550 L /min in adult males and it is 320-470 L/min in adult females. PEFR is the reflection of the functioning of the larger airways and any amount of stress/ infection/ inflammation in these airways causes adverse reactions.
How do you calculate peak expiratory flow?
How is peak expiratory flow measured?
You’ll use a peak expiratory flow monitor to perform the PEFR test. This is a handheld instrument with a mouthpiece on one end and a scale on the other. When you blow air into the mouthpiece a small plastic arrow moves. This measures the airflow speed.
