Peak flow is the maximum flow rate you can generate when you exhale as fast and as hard as you can. Daily peak flow monitoring can be used to detect a decrease in airflow before you may feel symptoms. Peak flow monitoring allows you to assess your asthma on an ongoing basis to prevent acute asthma attacks and put you in control of your breathing. Poor perception of the severity of your asthma could cause a delay of proper treatment. There are three goals of prevention
Peak flow readings may be divided into three color-coded zones: GREEN, YELLOW, AND RED. each corresponding to a range of peak flows.
GREEN: 80-100% of personal best. You are In the healthier safety zone. No asthma symptoms are present. Go ahead and resume normal activities. You should continue to follow your regular asthma medication plan.
YELLOW: 50-80% of personal best. Caution! An acute exacerbation (Increase of Symptoms) may be present, and a temporary Increase in medication may be indicated. Alternatively, the overall asthma may not be under sufficient control, and maintenance therapy may need to be increased.
RED: Below 50% of personal best. Medical Alert. An immediate bronchodilator should be taken and your physician should be notified if Peak Flow measures do not return immediately and stay in either yellow or green zones
