Peak Flow Meter

There is a widely perceived misconception that asthma is very easy to diagnose but in fact it is not. Not every breathing problem is a symptom of asthma. You first have to rule out other conditions like emphysema which have the same symptoms as asthma. Some of the other symptoms include congestive heart failure and vocal cord problems which are for sure symptoms of asthma but might not necessarily be asthma.

In order to rule out other possibilities the doctor might ask you to undergo several tests in order to come out with the conclusion that it’s actually asthma and nothing else. The doctors might even asked for your complete medical history and perform a medical exam on you. The best way to determine whether you have an asthma problem is to get a lung test done.

A doctor diagnosis of asthma is based largely on a patient’s report of on the symptoms. However nowadays the doctor performs spirometry or pulmonary function tests before and after giving the person an inhaled beta-adrenergic agonist. Spirometry is the process used to assess the severity of the airway obstruction and to monitor the undergoing treatment. Peak expiratory flow can be measured using a small handheld peak flow meter.

A peak flow meter, a medical device that is used to measure lung volume. It is easy to use and portable so can be used at home to help you "see an attack coming" and take the preventive action, sometimes even before any symptoms appear. This is because if you are not monitoring asthma on a regular basis, an attack can take you by surprise as symptoms are not clear cut. Peak flow measurements thus help show when medication is needed, and when other action needs to be taken. Peak flow values of 50-80% of an individual’s personal best indicate a moderate asthma attack, while values below 50% indicate a severe attack.