How Do You Read Peak-Expiratory-Flow Test Results?
A peak-expiratory-flow-rate (PEFR or PEF) meter measures how fast and hard a person can exhale. Asthma patients and those with other long-term chronic lung diseases such as COPD and emphysema use this at-home test to determine how well their airways work. You will normally have a higher reading on days when you have better lung function and a lower one when your lung function is not so good. Loosen any tight clothing that might restrict your breathing and stand or sit up straight when you perform the test. Remove any chewing gum or food from your mouth. Obtain a peak-expiratory-flow-rate meter, which is a small handheld device with a moveable scale indicator and a mouthpiece. Blow into the meter’s mouthpiece as quickly and as hard as you can. Take the test 3 times in a row and record the highest reading. Read and record your results over a period of days or weeks and compare them with those on a peak-flow-expiratory-rate chart. You can get a chart at sites such as gp-training.net and M
