A GLIMPSE OF PEAK FLOW METER.

A Peak Flow Meter (Breathe-o meter) is a simple, affordable, hand held device which helps diagnose breathing problems and asthma in children and adults. It is also used as an instrument to monitor your progress when you are under treatment for asthma.Just as you have a BP instrument to check blood pressure and the Glucometer for diabetics, the Peak Flow Meter (Breathe-o meter) is like a thermometer for asthma. As a patient, you will have to blow into the mouthpiece of the device, and the reading will be taken to check your lung power. Most doctors have the device in their clinic but it is also available at most leading chemists if you want to keep your asthma in check.

         

If you have asthma you can use the Peak Flow Meter (Breathe-o meter) to actually measure whether you are improving or not making progress. Your doctor will show you what number or reading on the Peak Flow Meter (Breathe-o meter) is good or normal for you, according to your age and height. If there is a drop in the reading, it means that your asthma is not well controlled and you are likely to get an attack in the near future or within days. This is like an early warning signal that you need to contact your doctor. If required, the doctor might increase the dosage of your medication. If the number is higher than your previous reading, it means your asthma is better controlled and you are improving. When the Peak Flow Meter (Breathe-o meter) reading is normal, it suggests that your asthma is under control.