Who should perform peak flow measurements?
Most patients with moderate to severe asthma should record their PEF regularly. Patients with milder asthma may only need to record at times when their asthma may become unstable. Such times occur when their treatment is changed, if they have a cold, during periods of weather change or exposure to triggers which are known to cause changes in asthma. It is most important that people who have suffered a recent acute attack of asthma continue to measure until their readings have returned to normal and their asthma symptoms are stable. Monitoring also helps determine the best PEF you can achieve. Knowing this personal best PEF will enable your doctor to write an action plan to help you identify changes in your asthma and to increase your treatment according to the plan if your symptoms worsen. An action plan will help you to make decisions about your treatment at home and will indicate when you should seek emergency help. What is a peak flow chart? The most simple record of your peak flow
