![]() ![]() Airway inflammation can persist for days to weeks after an acute attack therefore, more intensive treatment should be continued after discharge until symptoms and peak expiratory flow return to baseline. The administration of systemic corticosteroids within one hour of emergency department presentation decreases the need for hospitalization, with the most pronounced effect in patients with severe exacerbations. Intravenous magnesium sulfate has been shown to significantly increase lung function and decrease the necessity of hospitalization in children. Multiple doses of inhaled anticholinergic medication combined with beta 2 agonists improve lung function and decrease hospitalization in school-age children with severe asthma exacerbations. ![]() In the ambulatory and emergency department settings, the goals of treatment are correction of severe hypoxemia, rapid reversal of airflow obstruction, and reduction of the risk of relapse. Administration using a hand-held metered-dose inhaler with a spacer device is at least equivalent to nebulized beta 2 agonist therapy in children and adults. ![]() In patients with a peak expiratory flow of 50 to 79 percent of their personal best, up to two treatments of two to six inhalations of short-acting beta 2 agonists 20 minutes apart followed by a reassessment of peak expiratory flow and symptoms may be safely employed at home. Criteria for exacerbation severity are based on symptoms and physical examination parameters, as well as lung function and oxygen saturation. Make sure your peak flow meter is completely dry before using it.Asthma exacerbations can be classified as mild, moderate, severe, or life threatening. If you have a virus (cold, flu, etc), wash your peak flow meter after every use. Rinse it gently in clear water, then let it air dry. In general, you should wash your peak flow meter in warm soapy water. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to clean your peak flow meter. That is why it is important to clean it regularly. How to Clean Your Peak Flow Meterĭirt trapped in your peak flow meter can change the readings. Use the same peak flow meter consistently peak flow meters might take different readings, and using more than one device can confuse the results. Ask them how to understand what your peak flow scores mean. You can buy a peak flow meter at your drugstore they cost between $20.00 - $50.00.Īsk your doctor, certified respiratory educator, or pharmacist to show you how to use your peak flow meter. Taking your peak flow regularly can help you notice changes in your airflow, and can help you catch asthma flare-ups before they get out of control. Sometimes people use an asthma diary card to record their readings. Check with your asthma action plan to see if you need to make any adjustments to your daily care.ĭoctors often ask people to take peak flow readings every day and to write down their peak flow scores.That's the score you should write down and show the doctor. The best of the three scores is your actual score. Each time you test your peak flow, do three blows. ![]() Take your peak flow reading two more times. Take a deep breath, seal your lips around the mouthpiece, and blow as hard and as fast as you can into the peak flow meter.Stand up or sit up with a straight back.In general, these are the steps you can follow: To use a peak flow meter, follow the instructions on the package. Your peak flow score shows how your lungs are working at a particular time. This will make your peak flow score go down. If you have an asthma flare-up that makes your breathing tubes squeeze together, you will not be able to blow out as much air as usual. The amount of air you can blow out changes depending on how healthy your lungs are. Peak flow meters can help you keep track of how your lungs are doing over time. Your peak flow scores can help you and your doctor see if your asthma symptoms are getting better or worse. Peak flow meters give you a reading or "score" (peak expiratory flow rate, also called PEFR or PEF). Peak flow meters measure how fast you can blow air from your lungs. ![]()
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