Asthma Healing

Question: Why Are Peak Flow Meters Used?

Answer: The main reason for using a peak flow meter is because it can tell you when your asthma is starting to get out of control — even before you start to notice symptoms.

Think of your peak flow meter as a thermometer. A thermometer can tell you what your body temperature is, no matter how you are feeling. A peak flow meter is the same. It can pick up small changes in your lung function.

Knowing about these changes before you start to have symptoms means that you can take quick action to prevent symptoms and asthma attacks. That, in turn, keeps your asthma under better control. It also means fewer calls to your doctor and fewer visits to the emergency room.

The bottom line is that peak flow readings are objective measures of how you are doing. Here's a summary of the benefits:

• You can tell how your airways are doing, rather than just relying on feelings or guessing.
• You can see if your medicines and other treatments are having the expected benefits.
• Your doctor will have a better idea of how you are doing and how you are responding to treatment.
• You and your doctor will have solid information on which to base decisions about changing your asthma management plan.