you may not need to regularly monitor your breathing. Ask your doctor if a meter is right for you.
How often should you use a peak-flow meter?
This is up to you and your doctor. Many people take two measurements each day, one in the morning and one in the evening. Whatever your schedule, you should measure yourself at close to the same time each day.
You should also use your meter during situations that are especially hard on your lungs. For instance, if you sometimes have an attack while exercising, check your breathing before and after you work up a sweat. If your airways are already tight, you may have to skip the workout. You can also check your breath in the middle of the workout to see if an attack is on the way. Likewise, if cat dander makes you wheeze, you may want to check your airways before visiting a house with cats in it.
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How should you interpret the results?
To know what your readings mean, you have to know your “normal” peak flow. Your doctor can estimate this based on your age, height, sex, and race. You can also use your personal best as the benchmark. Your doctor can help you decide what’s “normal” for you.
Now you’re ready to interpret the results of your peak-flow meter. If your reading is within 20 percent of normal, you’re in the “green” zone. That means your asthma is under control.
If your peak flow is between 50 percent and 80 percent of normal, the “yellow” zone, your airways are narrowing and you may need a quick-relief medication right away to prevent an asthma attack. You should also take other steps — such as adjusting your daily medications under your doctor’s supervision or avoiding things that trigger attacks — to better control your disease.
If your reading is less than half of normal, the “red” zone, you’re having a serious attack and could be in danger. Take your quick-relief medication and call your doctor or an emergency room right away. You and your doctor should discuss how to handle yellow and red zone readings ahead of time so that you are prepared to act quickly if necessary.
Keep in mind that peak-flow meters can break down from time to time. If your reading puts you in the red zone but you feel fine, take the meter to your doctor for adjustment.