What if your forced exhale can't reach 100 on a peak flow meter?!
Question: if your PEFR (Peak Expiratory Flow Rate) drops it is time for a treatment: See below link for a scale
http://www.ao.is/assets/A4_Nomo_EU_PEF_I...
A "normal" peak flow rate is based on a person's age, height, sex and race. A standardized "normal" may be obtained from a chart comparing the patient with a population without breathing problems.
Three zones of measurement are commonly used to interpret peak flow rates. It is easy to relate the three zones to the traffic light colors: green, yellow, and red. In general, a normal peak flow rate can vary as much as 20 percent.
Be aware of the following general guidelines. Keep in mind that recognizing changes from "normal" is important. Your doctor may suggest other zones to follow.
Green Zone:
80 to 100 percent of your usual or "normal" peak flow rate signals all clear. A reading in this zone means that your asthma is under reasonably good control. It would be advisable to continue your prescribed program of management.
Yellow Zone:
50 to 80 percent of your usual or "normal" peak flow rate signals caution. It is a time for decisions. Your airways are narrowing and may require extra treatment. Your symptoms can get better or worse depending on what you do, or how and when you use your prescribed medication. You and your doctor should have a plan for yellow zone readings.
Red Zone:
Less than 50 percent of your usual or "normal" peak flow rate signals a Medical Alert. Immediate decisions and actions need to be taken. Severe airway narrowing may be occurring. Take your rescue medications right away. Contact your doctor now and follow the plan he has given you for red zone readings.
Some doctors may suggest zones with a smaller range such as 90 to 100 percent. Always follow your doctor's suggestions about your peak flow rate.
A personal best normal may be obtained from measuring the patient's own peak flow rate. Therefore, it is important for you and your doctor to discuss what is considered "normal" for you.
Once you have learned your usual and expected peak flow rate, you will be able to better recognize changes or trends.
Answers: if your PEFR (Peak Expiratory Flow Rate) drops it is time for a treatment: See below link for a scale
http://www.ao.is/assets/A4_Nomo_EU_PEF_I...
A "normal" peak flow rate is based on a person's age, height, sex and race. A standardized "normal" may be obtained from a chart comparing the patient with a population without breathing problems.
Three zones of measurement are commonly used to interpret peak flow rates. It is easy to relate the three zones to the traffic light colors: green, yellow, and red. In general, a normal peak flow rate can vary as much as 20 percent.
Be aware of the following general guidelines. Keep in mind that recognizing changes from "normal" is important. Your doctor may suggest other zones to follow.
Green Zone:
80 to 100 percent of your usual or "normal" peak flow rate signals all clear. A reading in this zone means that your asthma is under reasonably good control. It would be advisable to continue your prescribed program of management.
Yellow Zone:
50 to 80 percent of your usual or "normal" peak flow rate signals caution. It is a time for decisions. Your airways are narrowing and may require extra treatment. Your symptoms can get better or worse depending on what you do, or how and when you use your prescribed medication. You and your doctor should have a plan for yellow zone readings.
Red Zone:
Less than 50 percent of your usual or "normal" peak flow rate signals a Medical Alert. Immediate decisions and actions need to be taken. Severe airway narrowing may be occurring. Take your rescue medications right away. Contact your doctor now and follow the plan he has given you for red zone readings.
Some doctors may suggest zones with a smaller range such as 90 to 100 percent. Always follow your doctor's suggestions about your peak flow rate.
A personal best normal may be obtained from measuring the patient's own peak flow rate. Therefore, it is important for you and your doctor to discuss what is considered "normal" for you.
Once you have learned your usual and expected peak flow rate, you will be able to better recognize changes or trends.