Skip Ribbon Commands. Skip to main content. Turn off Animations. Turn on Animations. Our Sponsors Log in Register. Log in Register. Ages and Stages. Healthy Living. Safety and Prevention. Family Life. Health Issues. Tips and Tools. Our Mission. Find a Pediatrician. This baseline is done when your child is feeling well and their asthma is in good control. Good control means your child doesn't currently have any symptoms of asthma.
Each child's asthma is different. Children's peak flow numbers typically vary by height. But even among children of the same height, weight, and sex, peak flow numbers can be different. Keep a chart of your child's peak flow measurements.
Share this with your child's healthcare provider during routine checkups and as needed. Be sure to clean the peak flow meter. Follow the meter's cleaning instructions.
Dirt collected in the meter may not give a correct peak flow measurement. Germs or mucus can get inside the peak flow meter if your child has a cold or other respiratory infection.
Close this section. Because your child's height is , their estimated peak flow is. Asthma is a long-term chronic disease. Your child and their caregivers are important team members. One of the key parts of controlling asthma is having an Asthma Action Plan. PFM can help determine: When to seek emergency medical care How well your child's asthma management and treatment plan is working When to stop or add medicine, as directed by your child's healthcare provider What triggers the asthma attack, such as exercise Why should a peak flow meter be used?
How do you use a peak flow meter? Hold the PFM by the handle. Before each use, make sure the pointer is reset to zero. Have your child stand up straight. Your child should blow out as hard and as fast as they can. Write down the number where the pointer has stopped on the scale. Reset the pointer to 0. The highest of the 3 readings is your child's peak flow. What are peak flow zones? The peak flow zones include: Green This is the go zone! When the peak flow readings are in this zone, your child should: Stay away from asthma triggers.
Use controller medicines every day. Yellow This is the caution or slow-down zone! To keep your child's peak flow numbers from getting worse and get your child's asthma back under control, you will need to: Keep using the controller medicine as your child's provider has ordered and stay away from asthma triggers.
Use the reliever medicine as ordered by your child's provider. Make sure your child is using his or her inhaler and spacer correctly. Red This is the stop zone! How is a personal best peak flow measured?
When should a peak flow meter be used? The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute NHLBI recommends measuring lung function during the following times: Every morning, before taking asthma medicine When having asthma symptoms or an asthma flare-up After taking medicine for an asthma flare-up Other times as recommended by your child's provider How can I get a peak flow meter?
If your child is using more than one peak flow meter, be sure they are the same brand. What is an oximeter? If the airways are constricted, such as during an asthma attack, less air can be forced out of the lung. This registers as a lower peak flow reading. Write this down so you know what his peak flow ideal is.
For example, normal peak flow for a inch tall child would typically be to August 28, July 24, Dr.
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