How Does A Peak Flow Meter Help Manage Asthma?

Managing asthma is not easy. Once your doctor diagnoses you with asthma, it's time to find ways you can manage the disease. Effective asthma treatment requires routinely tracking symptoms and measuring how your lungs are working. 

Monitoring your condition will help to maintain long-term control over your asthma, prevent asthma attacks, and avoid problems in the future. One such step is using a peak flow meter to monitor your condition regularly. 

What is a Peak Flow Meter?

Smart Peak Flow Meter is a portable, self-monitoring digital device to measure peak expiratory flow (PEFM) for people with respiratory conditions, such as asthma. This device assists us in identifying performance patterns in our lungs, which gives information that can prevent asthma episodes and help devise an asthma management plan. 

In the comfort of their own home, users blow into the device three times, and the connected app measures their readings. Using the Smart Peak Flow app, patients can view results that show whether they are in the green (safe) zone, yellow (at risk), or red (at risk). These Peak flow meters employ medical-grade, CE-certified sensors to provide reliable peak flow readings, which can be immediately communicated with their physician or respiratory care team.

Asthma causes narrowing of the airways. However, this narrowing of the airways can be detected with a peak flow meter hours, if not days, before one has a flare-up of symptoms, also known as an asthma attack.

A peak flow meter is helpful for people with respiratory diseases, including asthma. A peak flow meter helps you with the following:

• Learn to manage your condition better

• Track changes in your symptoms

• Adjust daily medication when necessary

• Identify and avoid triggers for asthma attacks

Uses of a peak flow meter

This durable piece of equipment uses light sensor technology to detect your peak flow and transfers it to the app. Traditionally, peak flow readings were given by medical professionals or using plastic devices, but with advancements in medical equipment, this can now be done by anyone. However, it is crucial to do the reading accurately, otherwise, the readings may be misleading. For the best results, put your lips around the mouthpiece, and blow as quickly and forcefully as you can into the machine. With the Smart Peak Flow Meter, the readings are automatically recorded. With simple peak flow meters, you would have to write down the flow readings.

To determine accurate readings, you will have to blow three times sequentially. The best of the three readings is automatically recorded, and only if you blow three times in a row, will the results be consistent. 

A peak flow measurement should be taken at least once a day, preferably in the morning before you take your asthma medications. The measurements may need to be monitored more frequently if you experience more episodes than usual, or if the reading is below 80% of your personal best. Be sure to review your asthma action plan and use the same peak flow meter each time.

What does a typical peak flow reading look like?

The Smart Peak Flow is compatible with any Android or iOS smart device, which helps in identifying flare-ups even before asthma patients recognize them. It utilizes the same technology as a diagnostic spirometer and ensures more precise peak flow readings than manual peak flow meters. When compared to conventional peak flow meters, the Smart Peak Flow Meter provides a more objective analysis of asthma progress.

The peak flow readings vary with age, size, and gender. The usual peak expiratory flow meter reading range is shown on a graph, which your doctor may use to examine your peak flow measurement.

In healthy adults, peak flow values will differ at different times of the day. A reading taken in the evening is generally higher than one taken in the morning.

Asthma control with a peak flow meter

As a tool for managing asthma, a peak flow meter can be effective. However, there are other steps as well, that you should consider taking:

Prepare a plan of action for asthma

Effective management of asthma begins with a plan of action. It assists you in keeping track of which medications to take, when to take them, and what quantities you require according to whether you are in the green, yellow, or red zone.

Consult a doctor

Even if your asthma seems to be under control, consult with your doctor regularly to discuss and modify your action plan. Symptoms of asthma fluctuate over time, so your treatment may need to change as well.

Take care of your allergies and triggers

Pay attention to what stimulates or intensifies your asthma symptoms and take measures to prevent them.

Construct healthy habits

Developing healthy habits, such as maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, and not smoking, can help reduce your asthma symptoms significantly.

Stay a Step Ahead with a Smart Peak Flow Meter

Sanrai offers you a smart self-monitoring digital peak flow meter for managing asthma. A compact, cost-effective, and convenient device that connects with any Android or iOS smartphone via an audio jack port or bluetooth connector. You can now record your peak flow measurement in the comfort of your home and connect with your doctor remotely if necessary.