Peak Expiratory Flow Rate
understanding your personal health and lifestyle
Peak flow measurement is a procedure in which the maximum flow rate of expired air is measured. The measurement obtained is called the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). PEFR is measured with a peak expiratory flow rate meter, a portable, hand-held device.
Peak flow measurement using a peak flow meter is particularly useful for individuals with asthma. During an asthma flare-up, the large airways in the lungs begin to narrow. This slows the speed of air leaving the lungs. A peak flow meter, when used properly, can reveal narrowing of the airways well in advanced of an asthma attack.
Peak flow meters can help to determine:
- when to seek emergency medical care
- the effectiveness of an asthma management and treatment plan
Normal predicted PEFRs vary from person to person according to age, height and gender.
It is important to note that a patient’s personal best peak flow can be less than there predicted PEFR value this and still be completely normal.
Although predicted normal PEFR is determined by height, age and gender, it is preferable to gauge asthma control by comparing daily peak flow recordings with the patient’s personal best PEFR reading.
The personal best PEFR is the highest peak flow number a patient can achieve.
Peak flow measurements can alert therapists if a client is experiencing difficulty with their breathing ~ before they are aware or certain of the change. By making regular measurements at times when the client is feeling well, will have identified their personal best PEFR value. Then, if their PEFR falls significantly from their personal best PEFR, they will then know that something has to be done in order to bring their breathing function back towards its target value.
As a general rule, a peak flow value of 80% or greater of your personal best PEFR value is considered within a safe range; from 50 to 80% of your personal best PEFR value is a moderate fall; and less than 50% of your personal best PEFR value is considered a severe decrease in your breathing function. Urgent action needs to be taken if a severe decline in PEFR is less than half of your personal best PEFR.
Prices
Full Lifestyle Health Check (90 Minutes) £70.00
Body Stat Analysis (10 Minutes) £10.00
