Peak expiratory flow rate

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Lungs Spirometry Match test

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Peak expiratory flow rate

The peak expiratory flow rate measures how fast a person can breath out (exhale) air. It is one of many tests that measure thehow well your airways work.

This test requires a peak expiratory flow monitor, a small hand-held device with a mouthpiece at one end and a scale with a moveable indicator (usually a small plastic arrow).

• Breathe in as deeply as possible.
• Blow into the instrument's mouthpiece as hard and fast as possible.
• Do this 3 times, and record the highest flow rate.

Loosen any tight clothing that might restrict your breathing. Sit up straight or stand while performing the tests.

There is usually no discomfort. Rarely, repeated efforts may cause some lightheadedness.

The test is commonly used to diagnose and monitor lung diseases such asasthma,chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, or chronic bronchitis. Home monitoring can be used todetermine if treatments are workingordetect whena condition is getting worse.

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