Respiratory - Your Peak Flow Machine

What is a peak flow machine?

A peak flow machine is a small portable piece of equipment that measures how quickly you can blow air out of your lungs. The machine will give you a reading usually between 60L/min and 800L/min. Your reading will vary depending on your height, age and sex.

• Every person with asthma should have a peak flow machine at home to help monitor their condition
• It is very important that you take your peak flow machine with you to ALL asthma appointments and check ups
• If you need to attend the Emergency Department for your asthma, take your peak flow machine with you if possible

Why is measuring peak flow important for someone with asthma?

Measuring your peak flow is important, as the reading will help you identify how well controlled your asthma is. If your airways are tight and inflamed the reading will be low, if your airways are open and your asthma is well controlled the reading will be higher.

How to use your peak flow machine

1. Pull the counter (the red arrow) back as far as it will go to the top near the mouthpiece
2. Stand, or sit upright (choose what is easiest for you and always do it that way)
3. Take the deepest breath you can
4. Make sure your mouth makes a tight seal around the mouthpiece
5. Blow as hard and as fast as you possibly can into the meter
6. Write down your score (the number next to the pointer)
7. Do this three times in a row so you get three scores and use the highest score of the three to fill in your diary

Further Information

www.asthmaandlung.org.uk