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In chronic asthma you need to monitor or check carefully. It is always helpful to be aware of an attack before
it gets bad. There are two ways to check:
1] Look for Early Warning Signs
- Breathing changes
- Cough
- Headache
- Moodiness
- Itching of chin and throat
- Dark circles under eyes
- Difficulty sleeping
- Tiredness
- Stuffy nose/runny nose
- Sneezing
- Intermittent wheezing
2] Use a Peak Flow Monitor
The peak flow meter is a small device that measures the flow of air you or your child can force out of
the mouth, called the peak expiratory flow rate. It reveals how well the lungs are working. This device
can provide an early warning sign and give you clues that trouble is developing before becoming an acute attack.
Find out what your or your childs "personal best" is and from that you can monitor any changes."Personal
best" is when you are breathing well and there is no acute asthma.
To properly use a peak flow meter:
- Stand or sit in an upright position if possible
- Slide arrow indicator to zero
- Take a deep breath
- Put the mouthpiece in the mouth and close lips tightly around it
- You may need to pinch the nose closed in a young child
- Blow air out as hard and fast as possible
- Remember or write down the number where the marker stopped
- Reset the indicator to zero and repeat two more times
- Write down the HIGHEST number of the three tries on your asthma record
** It is a good idea to take a peak flow reading BEFORE TAKING MEDICATION two or three times a day and to
keep a record.
Suggested times:
- early morning
- midday
- bedtime
Determination of Peak Flow Zones
These zones are based on the best peak flow measurement taken during a time when there is no trouble breathing.
This is called the Personal Best.
- GREEN ZONE -- 80 - 100% of Personal Best
This means "all clear", good lung function. There are no asthma symptoms, continue with normal activities
and medication.
- YELLOW ZONE -- 50 - 80% of Personal Best
Caution; early sign of oncoming asthma attack. Be careful and take rescue/emergency medications promptly to prevent
an "asthma attack".
- RED ZONE -- Less than 50% of Personal Best
This signals a medical alert. There is an asthma attack. You may need to take additional medications that
you don't normally take, as prescribed by your doctor. If you don't improve quickly, contact your doctor or seek
emergency medical care. This can develop into an emergency situation.
With proper monitoring and the use of Peak Flow Meters, many emergency situations can be avoided and many trips
to the Emergency Room can be prevented.
Resources For More Information:
Asthma
Center at Long Island College Hospital
James
P. Mara Center for Lung Disease at St. Luke's - Roosevelt Hospital Center
The material contained in this document was prepared to provide basic information.
Questions concerning its application to your particular case should be directed to your physician.
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