How to Measure Your Peak Expiratory Flow
How to Measure Your Peak Expiratory Flow
Put the pointer on the gauge of the peak flow meter to 0 or the lowest number on the meter. In the photo, this is about 50.
Attach the mouthpiece to the peak flow meter. Some meters don't have a separate mouthpiece.
While standing, take a deep breath.
Put the peak flow meter mouthpiece in your mouth, and close your lips tightly around the outside of the mouthpiece. Don't put your tongue inside the mouthpiece.
Breathe out as hard and as fast as you can for 1 or 2 seconds. A hard and fast breath usually produces a "huff" sound.
Check the number on the gauge, and write it down. This is your peak expiratory flow (PEF). In the photo, the PEF is about 180.
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerJohn Pope, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical ReviewerLora J. Stewart, MD - Allergy and Immunology
How to Measure Your Peak Expiratory Flow
Set the meter to its lowest number: Step 1
Put the pointer on the gauge of the peak flow meter to 0 or the lowest number on the meter. In the photo, this is about 50.
Attach the mouthpiece: Step 2
Attach the mouthpiece to the peak flow meter. Some meters don't have a separate mouthpiece.
Take a deep breath: Step 3
While standing, take a deep breath.
Put the mouthpiece in your mouth: Step 4
Put the peak flow meter mouthpiece in your mouth, and close your lips tightly around the outside of the mouthpiece. Don't put your tongue inside the mouthpiece.
Breath out hard: Step 5
Breathe out as hard and as fast as you can for 1 or 2 seconds. A hard and fast breath usually produces a "huff" sound.
Check your number: Step 6
Check the number on the gauge, and write it down. This is your peak expiratory flow (PEF). In the photo, the PEF is about 180.
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerJohn Pope, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical ReviewerLora J. Stewart, MD - Allergy and Immunology
Source...