Sometimes more tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis or determine the severity of your COPD. This is a rare genetic problem that increases your risk of COPD. Sometimes a blood test may also be done to see if you have alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. Blood testsĪ blood test can show other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to COPD, such as a low iron level (anaemia) and a high concentration of red blood cells in your blood (erythrocytosis). Problems that can be shown by an X-ray include chest infections and lung cancer, although these do not always show. Chest X-rayĪ chest X-ray can be used to look for problems in the lungs that can cause similar symptoms to COPD. Use the peak flow meter while standing up straight. The readings are compared with normal results for your age, which can show if your airways are obstructed. Getting the best readings Several steps are important to make sure the peak flow meter records an accurate value: The peak flow meter should read zero or its lowest reading when not in use. You may be asked to breathe out a few times to get a consistent reading. The spirometer takes 2 measurements: the volume of air you can breathe out in a second, and the total amount of air you breathe out. You'll be asked to breathe into a machine called a spirometer after inhaling a medicine called a bronchodilator, which helps widen your airways. SpirometryĪ spirometry test can help show how well your lungs are working.
#Peak flow meter readings plus#
They may also do, or arrange for you to have, a breathing test called spirometry, plus other related tests of the lungs and airways. ask if you have a family history of lung problems.calculate your body mass index (BMI) using your weight and height.examine your chest and listen to your breathing using a stethoscope.RED (below 50 percent of target PEFR) signals a medical alert: A fast-acting bronchodilator should be used immediately and the physician should be notified if PEFR measures do not immediately return to and remain in the yellow or green zone.See a GP if you have persistent symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Yellow may mean that your overall asthma condition is not under sufficient control, and your physician may increase your daily medications. YELLOW (50 to 80 percent of target PEFR) signals caution: An episode of asthma may be present that requires a temporary increase (step-up) in medication. If you take medications every day and have consistent readings in the green zone, you may want to ask your physician about reducing medications. GREEN (80 to 100 percent of target PEFR) signals all clear: No asthma symptoms are present, and the routine treatment plan for maintaining control can be followed. It measures the fastest rate of air (airflow) that you can blow out of your lungs. You and your physician can use this information as a starting point for determining your personal zones according to your true needs. What is a peak flow meter A peak flow meter is a small device that you blow into. Repeat the steps above two more times, then enter the highest of your three readings into a daily symptom diary, notebook, or graph. If you cough or make a mistake, skip that reading and try again. Blow out as hard and as fast as you can in a single blow.Place the mouth piece level in your mouth and close your lips around it Do not put your tongue inside the hole, put your fingers on the scale, or cover the back air holes.Take a deep breath, filling your lungs completely.Move the sliding indicator to the bottom of the numbered scale.To get an accurate readin, use the peak flow meter before taking your bronchodilator medication (a medicine, such as albuterol, that opens and relaxes your airways). Use the peak flow meter each morning and evening, especially when you are monitoring an asthma flare or learni g to understnd your symptoms. The number opposite the indicator i your peak expiratory rate - PEFR - how fast you can push your breathe out, in liters per second. A peak expiratory flow measurement indicates how fast you can force air out of your lungs. When you use a peak flow meter, the force of your breathe moves the indicator along a numbered scale. This test is done at home with a simple hand-held device called a peak flow meter. Improve communication among you, your family, and your medical care team.Make decisions about school attendance or physical activity.Decide when to call your healthcare provider or seek emergency care.Decide how well your treatment plan is working.Identify allergens, irritants, and activities that make your asthma worse.Learn to recognize early signs that indicate asthma problems.Detect early stages of increased airway inflammation.
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