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Name: Sylvia H | Date: Sep 14th, 2012 4:41 PM |
Many children and adults with asthma use a peak flow meter to determine when they are in trouble. The device costs about $20 and anyone can buy it although not all pharmacies have it in stock. You take a big breath and then blow into the device. It tells how much volume of air was in that one breath. People do this when they are feeling well to get a base line ( often referred to as a green light situation - you can go ahead and do all activities ). Based on this number two other numbers are calculated based on a percentage of a normal breath. One is called the yellow light situation and shows that you aren't breathing normally and you should rest and take it easy. This might be a time to use a rescue inhaler. The other is called the red light situation and indicates very low amount of air being taken in. A rescue inhaler should be used and if there is no improvement then medical attention is needed. Clearer directions are here: http://www.webmd.com/asthma/guide/peak-flow-meter ↑ |