Peak Flow Meter -  Checking The Airflow Through Your Lungs

When a disease or condition has no cure, the aim of treatment is to minimize the affect that it has on a person's lifestyle through lifestyle changes and/or medication . In this respect, it is important to monitor the extent of the disease. Effective monitoring over the short term can prevent any sudden changes in the condition from threatening a person's life. Monitoring over the long term can build up a picture of how the treatment is working and making changes to make it more efficient. In the case of asthma, a potentially chronic respiratory condition, the peak flow meter is the best way to monitor and aid in the treatment of the condition.

A peak flow meter is a hand held device that is used to measure the airflow through the lungs (or bronchi). The person taking the reading will put the mouthpiece of the meter to their mouth and exhale. The meter will then give a reading.

For simplicities sake, the meter has green, amber and red zones on the meter scale. Any reading that falls in the green zone means the airflow is ok. If it falls in the amber zone it is poor (50-80% normal peak rate flow) and you should take medication and/or see a doctor. If it is red then it is below 50% normal peak rate flow. This is a serious state to be in and you should take your medication and see the doctor.

For asthma sufferers, a peak flow meter can be used to determine the extent of an asthma attack or before the attack occurs. This can help you determine what sort of action is needed in terms of seeking assistance or taking emergency medication.

However, people with asthma also use the peak flow meter to record the flow of air through the lungs. They will typically take three reading twice a day. They will record the highest reading each time and log it. Although this might seem like a lot of work and take a bit of organization, it can help to modify a person's treatment and management of the condition.

This may result in understanding when asthma will be worst during a month. It may also cause you doctor to change the type of medication or the frequency that you take a certain medicine.

Peak flow meters come in two types, the standard and low range peak flow meters. The difference in these is the range or depth that the lungs can exhale. A Standard range peak flow meter would be used by adults. A low range would be used by children or adults with impaired functioning of the lungs.

Peak Flow Meters In Gyms And Fitness Centers

Peak flow meters are also used in gyms to test the lung capacity of people in the gym. Lung capacity is a way to determine how capable a person is and what type of workout or exercise will best suit that person.

It is clear that lung capacity can be improved through exercise but without sufficient oxygen during a workout a person might feel dizzy or nauseous. This is why a gym always tries to create an exercise program that will slowly and gradually increase the lung capacity.

Many gyms will have the popular assess peak flow meter which has a much better design and durability. It is now quite easy to take your lung capacity with such an instrument as part of a fitness assessment or when setting up a fitness program with your instructor.