WHAT IS THE MINI-WRIGHT PEAK FLOW METER?
A peak flow meter allows patients to monitor their asthma. Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) is a measurement of how fast a patient can blow air out. If a patient is well, their PEF is higher. In asthma, due to airways being narrower, the PEF is lower.
If diagnosed with asthma, measuring the PEF regularly can be useful in monitoring your condition. The PEF can show if your condition is getting worse, if your medication is working and also shows if you are having an asthmatic attack.
The Mini-Wright Peak Flow Meter is a lightweight and portable peak flow meter. Peak flow measurements can be taken at ease and at the comfort of your own home.
The Mini-Wright Peak Flow Meter is available in a low and standard range:
- Low – measures PEF between 30 -400 l/min and is useful for children, elderly and those with severe air flow obstruction
- Standard – measures PEF between 60 – 800 l/min
The scale is easy to read when performing a test and is easy to clean. The product comes with clear instructions, a self-monitoring chart and a sterilisable mouthpiece.
HOW TO USE MINI-WRIGHT PEAK FLOW METER?
The first time your PEF is measured, it will be done by your doctor or nurse and they will demonstrate how this should be done. After this, you may be advised to do it regularly at home using the peak flow meter.
TO MEASURE YOUR PEAK FLOW:
- Find a comfortable position. This can be wither sitting or standing.
- Reset your peak flow meter so the pointer is pushed back to the first line of the scale.
- Hold the peak flow meter so it is horizontal and make sure your fingers are not obstructing the measurement scale.
- Breathe in as deeply as you can and place your lips tightly around the mouthpiece.
- Breathe out as quickly and as hard as you can.
- When you have finished breathing out, make a note of your reading.
- This should be repeated 3 times and the highest of the 3 readings should be recording as your peak flow score.
- A difference between scores could indicate you have asthma or if already diagnosed, could indicate the start of an attack. A big difference between your current and best score can also be indicative that your asthma is poorly controlled.
- If your PEF is low or falls to a certain level, then follow your personal asthma action plan. You may need to use one of your inhalers or you may need to seek medical help.
Speak to your GP or nurse if you are concerned about your peak flow score and unsure about what steps to take.
