Some people with asthma find they feel at their worst first thing in the morning. You may not have slept well, you may be bothered by secretions. You may feel your muscles are stiff or sore until you get moving again. Take your peak flow measurements before using your inhaler. Have your inhalers beside your […]
You, your asthma team and your midwifery team should work together to help you during your pregnancy. You may need additional check ups such as lung function tests, spirometry or peak flow tests. You may also be offered additional checks for your baby such as ultrasound scans and checks for your baby’s movements and position. […]
A chart called a ‘nomogram’ can be used to estimate your predicted peak flow if you are male or female, your age and height. It is important to remember that everyone is different and you should be guided by what is normal for you. Measuring your peak flow when you feel well will establish your […]
You should measure your peak flow in the morning and evening before taking your inhalers or as advised by your doctor or nurse. Peak flow changes throughout the day and it can be slightly lower in the morning than the evening. Download your own peak flow template: Peak flow diary template [.pdf, 234KB]
Stand up if possible or sit up straight. Put the pointer to zero. Hold the meter as per manufacturers instructions, ensure your fingers do not obstruct the scale. Breathe in as deeply as possible, seal your lips firmly around the mouthpiece then blow out as hard and as fast as you can (like blowing out […]
Not all people with COPD will be asked to monitor their peak flow, however, your GP may recommend this for you. Peak flow is a measurement of how fast you can blow air out of your lungs. It shows how wide your airways are at the time of taking the test. It can be helpful […]
From the information that you have given, the breathing tests and how you respond to any treatment, your healthcare professional will be able to confirm if you have asthma. It is like putting together pieces of a jigsaw to make the full picture. The majority of people are treated by their GP (as shown in […]
Peak expiratory flow (peak flow) measures tightness in the larger breathing tubes or ‘upper airways’. You will be asked to take a deep breath in, and blow ‘hard and quickly’ into the peak flow meter. Sometimes you will be asked to do this before and after some puffs of inhaler. Sometimes you will be asked […]
Some basic tests can be done at your GP surgery. One of these is called a peak flow test You will be asked to take a full deep breath in, close your lips around the mouthpiece to form a seal and then blow as hard and fast as you can into mouth piece. Usually three […]
