The
newest word in treatment is air flow home monitoring.Asthmatics
should be aware of air flow, just the
way diabetics must be aware of glucose levels. A peak
flow meter used daily allows the patient to track breathing
efficiency (peak flow refers to the fastest rate at which air
can be forced out of the lungs). Peak flow meters, use a simple
scale to register air flow when the patient exhales fully and
forcefully into the flow meter. A 25% decrease in normal peak
flow usually signals a change in status that leads to a severe
episode, unless appropriate therapy is provided.
A 50% decrease may mean that a severe episode is imminent and
immediate treatment is necessary.
Home peak flow monitoring, along with occasional
office spirometry, helps doctorand patient toreachasthma management
goals: optimal lung function, use of a rescue inhaler as seldom
as possible (once daily or less), freedom from side effects, participation
in exercise and sports, uninterrupted sleep, and cessation of
emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Studies have
shown that patients who regularly use home peak
flow meters and discuss results with their doctors have fewer
severe asthma attacks and demonstrate improved survival.
Instuctions
on how to Use your Peak Flow Meter
