ChoiceMMed Peak Flow Meter (PFM2)

How to use your peak flow meter A peak flow meter helps you check how well your asthma is controlled. Peak flow meters are most helpful if you have moderate to severe persistent asthma. Alternative names Peak flow meter - how to How to measure peak flow Move the marker to the bottom of the numbered scale. Stand up straight. Take a deep breath. Fill your lungs all the way. Hold your breath while you place the mouthpiece in your mouth, between your teeth. Close your lips around it. Do not put your tongue against or inside the hole. Blow out as hard and fast as you can in a single blow. Your first burst of air is the most important. So blowing for a longer time will not affect your result. Write down the number you get. But, if you coughed or did not do the steps right, do not write down the number. Instead, do the steps over again. Move the marker back to the bottom and repeat all these steps 2 more times. The highest of the 3 numbers is your peak flow number. Write it down in your log chart. Many children under age 5 cannot use a peak flow meter very well. But some are able to. Start using peak flow meters before age 5 to get your child used to them. Find your personal best To find your personal best peak flow number, take your peak flow each day for 2 to 3 weeks. Your asthma should be under control during this time. To finding your personal best, take your peak flow as close to the following times of day as you can: Between noon and 2 p.m. each day Each time after you take your quick-relief medicine to relieve symptoms Any other time your doctor tells you to These times for taking your peak flow are only for finding your personal best.