Note the reading. Repeat steps 2 through 5 twice more and write down the highest score. Have your child take his quick-relief medications usually a bronchodilator at a high dose to open up the airways and steroid pills or liquid to calm inflammation if it is part of the asthma action plan worked out between you and your pediatrician or asthma specialist. The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician.
There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances. Follow Us. Back to Top. Chronic Conditions. Common Surgical Procedures. Developmental Disabilities. Emotional Problems. From Insects or Animals.
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Updated visitor guidelines. Top of the page. Topic Overview Peak expiratory flow PEF measures how much air you or your child can breathe out using the greatest effort. Personal best A person's personal best is his or her highest peak flow. Your personal best is the highest reading you have over this period of time. They can vary from being quite complex, with a number of steps to be taken, to quite simple, for example 'if your peak flow drops below 'x' then take two puffs of your reliever inhaler'.
All, however, should be written plans because research has shown that they are more effective when written down. A good model for a self-management plan is one that is divided into zones and each zone should broadly describe your asthma as:. The self-management plan should then tell you what action to take according to the zone you are in. Your doctor or nurse will help you to produce a tailored self-management plan and show you how to use it to control your asthma.
For example, you may agree with your doctor that if your peak flow readings drop by a certain percentage, you will increase your preventer medication. If the readings fall further, your doctor may suggest that you start taking steroid tablets or seek urgent medical attention. On the other hand, if your asthma symptoms improve significantly, your doctor may decide to reduce your treatment.
For more information about asthma please visit Asthma UK. Asthma — tests that you may have to undergo : from blood tests to peak flow. The importance of keeping a daily asthma diary : the ideal diary. What to tell your doctor during an asthma consultation. Asthma — reducing your exposure to triggers : what are the allergens? Last updated Parenting Mental health Healthy eating Conditions Follow. Type keyword s to search. Standard range peak flow meters are suitable for both adults and children.
This is a clue that his or her airways are starting to narrow. Your child may begin to have mild symptoms. Your child may be coughing, feeling tired, feeling short of breath, or feeling like his or her chest is tightening.
These symptoms may keep your child from their normal activities or from sleeping well. To keep your child's peak flow numbers from getting worse and get your child's asthma back under control, you will need to:. Keep using the controller medicine as your child's provider has ordered and stay away from asthma triggers. This is the stop zone! Readings in this zone are a medical emergency. You will need to get help right away. This means there is severe narrowing of the airways.
Your child may be coughing, very short of breath, and wheezing. Your child may also have problems walking and talking. Have your child take their reliever medicine and call your child's provider.
Or go to the hospital emergency department or call Each child's peak flow zones are based on their personal best peak flow. To establish your child's personal best peak flow, have your child take their peak flow measurement each day at the same time for 2 to 3 weeks, when the asthma is under control.
The highest reading during this time is your child's peak flow. Your child's provider will use peak flow and spirometer results, discussed below, to help set up your child's asthma management plan. Your child's personal best peak flow may change over time. Talk with your child's healthcare provider about when to check for a new personal best peak flow. PFMs are used regularly to check how well asthma is being controlled.
In addition, the peak flow meter may be used during an asthma flare-up. It can help determine how well short-term, quick-relief asthma medicines are working.
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