How to Use Your Peak Flow Meter

Before using your meter:

1. Get into a comfortable position, either sitting upright or standing.
2. If you have removable piercings in your tongue, lips, or mouth, remove them to get a more accurate reading. (Piercings do not affect asthma, only the test numbers.)
3. Reset your peak flow meter so the pointer is pushed back to the first line on the scale.

To use your meter:

1. Hold the meter so it’s horizontal, and make sure your hands are not blocking the measurement scale.
2. Take a deep breath, trying to fill your lungs all the way.
3. Hold your breath while you place the mouthpiece in your mouth, between your teeth. Close your lips around it. Do NOT put your tongue against or inside the hole.
4. Blow as hard and fast as you can into the meter.
5. Write down your reading (the number displayed next to the pointer).

Repeat these steps 3 times, and make note of your reading each time.

All 3 results should be roughly the same, but write down the highest reading in your peak flow diary.

To find your personal best, measure your peak flow at the following times on different days over a few weeks:

• Early morning
• Late afternoon evening
• 15 to 20 minutes after using rescue inhaler

After 2 to 3 weeks, look at the readings in all the above scenarios. The highest measurement is your personal best.

When you know your personal best, you can calculate your green, yellow, and red zones. If you're having trouble, let us know so we can help!

Some peak flow meters will show your green, yellow, or red zone automatically.

Green zone:

1. Peak expiratory flow (PEF) is 80 to 100% of your personal best.
2. Calculate by multiplying your personal best by 0.8.

Yellow zone:

• PEF is 50% to 80% of your personal best.
• Calculate the top of this range by multiplying your personal best by 0.8.
• Calculate the bottom of this range by multiplying your personal best by 0.5.

Red zone:

• Your PEF is less than 50% of personal best.
• Calculate by multiplying your personal best by 0.5.
• Record these ranges in an asthma diary so you can easily refer to them.

We can use your peak flow meter "zone" to track how your asthma is doing.

If you ever feel short of breath, are wheezing, or have other symptoms of a flare, check your peak flow. Your "zone" can help determine the next steps.

Green zone:

• Your asthma is under control.
• Take your medicines as usual.

Yellow zone – Caution

• Your asthma is worsening.
• Measure your peak flow a few times. If you stay in the yellow zone, use your rescue inhaler.
• Call your medical provider, or reach out to Galileo, to discuss changes to your medications or treatment of an asthma flare.

Red zone – Danger!

• Take your rescue inhaler right away.
• Then if you have any difficulty breathing, go to the emergency department (ER) or call 9-1-1.